When it comes to the Red Sox bullpen, the situation with Chapman and Slaten has been a topic of much discussion. Chapman, despite his contributions in 2024, hasn't been a team's primary closing option since 2021. In 2021 with New York, some glaring flaws were exposed. His walk rate saw a significant increase from 3.09 BB/9 in 2020 to 6.07 BB/9 the following year. Issuing free passes has always been a problem for Chapman, and in recent years, his control has been exceptionally bad, with hitters walking more than 14% of the time in the last four seasons.

Slaten's Potential and Team Control

Another important aspect is that Slaten is significantly younger than Hendriks and Chapman. He still has five years of team control left, providing the Red Sox with a real opportunity to mold a closer for the future. This is in contrast to their two veteran options who are likely to hit the open market in their late 30s at the end of the season.Now, let's compare Slaten to one of the better closers in the past few seasons, Tanner Scott. In the last two seasons among qualified relievers, Scott holds the highest combined fWAR total, the fourth highest ERA, and the ninth highest AVG against. It's important to note that I'm not suggesting Slaten is in the same league as Scott at the moment. Scott has been a premier reliever for several years, while Slaten is just starting his major league career.Slaten showed promise in his first year in the majors. He demonstrated the ability to handle pressure situations and has the potential to develop into a reliable closer. With proper coaching and experience, he could become a key component of the Red Sox bullpen.The Red Sox need to carefully consider their options moving forward. Chapman's past struggles with control raise questions about his ability to be the primary closer. On the other hand, Slaten's youth and potential give the team hope for the future. It will be interesting to see how the team manages their bullpen and whether Slaten can step up and handle the closing duties.In conclusion, the Red Sox have a decision to make regarding their bullpen. Chapman's recent performance and Slaten's potential both play a significant role in this decision. The team will need to weigh the pros and cons and make a choice that will best serve their needs in the long run.