Aroldis Chapman's career resurgence in a Boston Red Sox uniform has been a sight to behold. The longtime New York Yankees closer was formerly a hated rival, but his success with the Red Sox has been undeniable, even to his most passionate detractors.
Chapman is well on his way to posting the best season of his career with Boston, as a 16-year MLB veteran and eight-time All-Star. He's clocked a 1.18 ERA, 0.763 WHIP with 17 saves, 58 strikeouts and just 10 walks in 38 innings. The last time Chapman logged a sub-two ERA was in 2016, when he started his season with the Yankees and finished it with the World Series champion Cubs.
The Red Sox turned Chapman into one of the biggest surprise rebounds of the year so far, and possibly one of the best free agent signings from the 2024-25 offseason. Unlike his fellow offseason signees, Garrett Crochet and Alex Bregman, there has been little chatter about locking Chapman up for the future. Rob Bradford of WEEI reported on July 15 that the Red Sox haven't approached the closer about a potential contract extension.
There are likely a few reasons for this, chief among them being Chapman's age. He's 37 and will be 38 by Opening Day 2026. So far, he's shown that age is but a number, as he still routinely touches triple digits on his scorching four-seamer, and he's in impeccable shape. Still, his age, coupled with inconsistencies in his career, could be too great a risk to take on, depending on his asking price.
Red Sox have not approached closer Aroldis Chapman about a contract extension, but should they?
Aroldis Chapman, K'ing the Side in the 9th.
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 13, 2025
(1.18 ERA at the All Star Break) pic.twitter.com/uSE7S02deP
Before his stint with the Red Sox, Chapman hadn't posted a sub-three ERA since 2019. His performances weren't terrible, but he struggled to limit runs because he walked batters at an astronomical clip — he ranked in the second percentile in walk percentage in 2023, and the first percentile in 2024.
If Boston can sign Chapman for a reasonable price, like another year at $10.75 million, his current rate, or just a bit higher, an extension could be worth it. But if he asks for much more money or multiple years on the contract, the risk could be too great to ignore, especially if John Henry tightens the budget again after the Rafael Devers trade.
It's still just halfway through the season and offseason rumors haven't kicked up yet. There's still plenty of time for extension conversations to begin — or not — between the Red Sox and Chapman. We'll have to see how the second half and, hopefully, a postseason run go.