The Boston Red Sox have decided to retain Aroldis Chapman.
Chapman and the Red Sox came to an agreement on a $13.3 million contract Sunday for the 2026 season, featuring a vesting option for 2027, as announced by the organization.
He is now guaranteed $26 million across two years if he throws for a minimum of 40 innings next summer. Should he not meet that mark, he’ll receive a $300,000 buyout unless both sides agree to a mutual option otherwise.
The 37-year-old closer is experiencing one of his strongest seasons to date during his initial stint in Boston. He boasts a career-best 1.04 ERA in 57 appearances and 52 innings pitched, and he recorded his 27th save of the season Sunday, aiding the Red Sox in securing a 5-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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Chapman has strung together 15 consecutive games without surrendering a hit, marking the longest such streak in Red Sox history. It’s the longest streak in Major League Baseball since Toronto Blue Jays closer Sergio Santos accomplished it in 2013.
Chapman’s career total stands at 362 saves. The Cuban-born player began his time in the league in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds, where he played for six seasons before a seven-year period with the New York Yankees. He also had stints with the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Following their win Sunday, the Red Sox hold a 76-62 record. This places them third in the AL East, 3.5 games behind the Blue Jays in the division standings. Boston is currently projected to secure a wild-card position. This would mark the franchise’s return to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
