The Boston Red Sox have been actively working to enhance their bullpen this winter, with a stated priority of adding more velocity. On Tuesday, they took a significant step in that direction by reaching an agreement with veteran lefty Aroldis Chapman on a one-year, $10.75 million contract. This move comes as the team looks to strengthen their relief pitching and address key areas for improvement.

Red Sox Reinforce Bullpen with Chapman's Velocity

Chapman's Career Highlights and Recent Seasons

A seven-time All-Star with an impressive 335 career saves, Chapman has been a dominant force in the league. In the last three seasons, he has been more often used in a setup capacity, but he still managed to notch 14 saves with the Pirates last season. His experience and track record make him a valuable addition to the Red Sox bullpen.The Red Sox already have three-time All-Star Liam Hendriks, who missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and Justin Slaten, who had a strong rookie year. Chapman could join this mix during Spring Training, depending on how manager Alex Cora views the situation. This gives the Red Sox multiple options in the late innings and adds depth to their bullpen.

Chapman's Impact on the Red Sox in 2024

With Kenley Jansen set to leave as a free agent and Chris Martin likely to sign elsewhere, it was crucial for the Red Sox to add more experienced relievers. Chapman certainly fits that bill, providing an established lefty in the bullpen. His fastball, which was clocked as high as 105 mph in 2024 and averaged just under 99 mph, is a weapon that can strike out batters. His 37.1% strikeout rate ranked in MLB's 99th percentile, demonstrating his ability to get outs.In 2017, the Red Sox had a memorable moment against Chapman when Rafael Devers belted his 102.8 mph fastball over the wall in left-center to tie the game in the ninth inning against the Yankees. This shows Chapman's impact on games and his ability to face tough left-handed hitters. The Red Sox went on to win that game in 10 innings, highlighting Chapman's role in key moments.Chapman defected from Cuba in 2009 and signed with the Reds in 2010. He spent his first six seasons with Cincinnati, pitching to a 2.17 ERA while picking up his first 146 saves. Overall in 2024, he went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA in 68 games for the Pirates, his fourth team in the past three seasons. He struck out 98 batters in 61 2/3 innings and held opponents to a.165 expected average in the 99th percentile.

Chapman's Pitching Arsenal and Challenges

While Chapman's triple-digit fastball is his signature pitch, it is just one tool in his impressive repertoire. He also possesses a power sinker and slider, which produced whiff rates of 32% and 31%, respectively, in 2024. These secondary pitches add to his effectiveness and make him a difficult pitcher to face.However, Chapman also struggles with his control at times, an issue that has plagued him throughout his career. His 14.4% walk rate was among the worst in MLB last season. This is an area that the Red Sox will need to work on with him to ensure he can be consistent and reliable in high-pressure situations.For his career, Chapman has an 87.5 save percentage, which ranks third among active pitchers (min. 150 saves) behind Jansen and Craig Kimbrel (both 88.2). His experience and save percentage make him a valuable asset in the bullpen, and the Red Sox hope he can continue to perform at a high level in 2025.