Facing likely losing Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin in free agency this offseason, it makes sense that the Red Sox would be looking for bullpen help. They have Liam Hendriks and Michael Fullmer back, but both remain question marks after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Additionally, the Red Sox could end up moving a starter like Garrett Whitlock to the bullpen if they sign another starter this offseason.
The Red Sox have progressed in talks with Aroldis Chapman and are working toward signing him, source tells MassLive. — Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) December 3, 2024
Chapman, who will turn 37 before the start of the 2025 season, spent the 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, appearing in 68 games. He went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA, recording 14 saves in total. He took over at the end of the year in place of the injured David Bednar, making those nine saves.
(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, file)
Chapman’s fastball, a specialty
His fastball velocity has long been Chapman’s trademark and remains high (97.8 mph on the fastball and 99.8 mph on the sinker last season), even if he has nowhere near the same imposing presence he had in the mid-2010s, when he reached a record-breaking 105.1 mph speed.
Although Chapman ranks 16th in career saves with 335, he has shown a willingness to work in roles other than closer. He has won a World Series as a lead closer (2016, Cubs) and as a setup man (2023, Rangers), appearing in the playoffs in eight different postseasons.
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Fuente: https://www.ole.com.ar/
