Boston Red Sox add flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman to their bullpen, report says
Pittsburgh Pirates v Washington Nationals WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates after striking out Jacob Young of the Washington Nationals to end the eighth inning at Nationals Park on April 04, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Washington Nationals WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at Nationals Park on April 04, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Colorado Rockies DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 14: Pitcher Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at Coors Field on June 14, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
World Series Workout Day ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers speaks with media during the World Series Workout Day at Globe Life Field on October 26, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Championship Series - Texas Rangers v Houston Astros - Game One HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during Game One of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 15, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees celebrates after a win against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on August 26, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees reacts after walking the bases loaded against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 3-0. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees pitches in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
World Series - Texas Rangers v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Game Five of the World Series at Chase Field on November 01, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Texas Rangers ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 20: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 20, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
World Series - Texas Rangers v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers celebrates the Commissioner's Trophy after the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game Five to win the World Series at Chase Field on November 01, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate a win over the Cincinnati Reds as he walks off the field after the game at Great American Ball Park on September 22, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh Pirates won 2-0. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 20: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees throws a ninth inning pitch against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees throws to a Baltimore Orioles batter in the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 15, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Pittsburgh Pirates PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 03: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds is congratulated by teammate Tucker Barnhart #16 following their 3-1 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on October 3, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees pitches during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 22, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers v Cincinnati Reds CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 27: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on August 27, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Dodgers defeated the Reds 1-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Pittsburgh Pirates PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 2: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on October 2, 2015 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Chicago Cubs CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field on August 31, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) (Jon Durr/Getty Images)
By Frank O'Laughlin
BOSTON — The Boston Red Sox and flamethrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman are reportedly in agreement on a one-year contract worth $10.75 million.
The deal, which is pending the completion of a physical, adds needed left-handed pitching help to Boston’s bullpen, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported.
Chapman, 36, posted a photo of himself on X wearing a Red Sox hat after news of the deal broke, with a caption that read, “Let’s go!”
In 61 2/3 innings pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2024, the veteran posted an ERA of 3.79, while racking up 14 saves, five wins, and 98 strikeouts.
Even though the seven-time All-Star has 15 seasons under his belt, he’s still been able to maintain his high-end velocity. Chapman averaged 98 mph on his fastball in 2024, topping that pitch out at 105 mph, according to Baseball Savant data.
Red Sox fans will remember Chapman from the seven seasons he spent with the New York Yankees, a successful stretch during which he closed out 153 games.
In addition to the Pirates and Yankees, Chapman has also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers.
Chapman comes to Boston with 55 career wins, a 2.63 ERA, and 335 saves over 760 innings pitched in 796 games.
Pittsburgh Pirates v Washington Nationals WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates after striking out Jacob Young of the Washington Nationals to end the eighth inning at Nationals Park on April 04, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Washington Nationals WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 04: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches against the Washington Nationals in the eighth inning at Nationals Park on April 04, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images) (Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Colorado Rockies DENVER, COLORADO - JUNE 14: Pitcher Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws against the Colorado Rockies in the eighth inning at Coors Field on June 14, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
World Series Workout Day ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers speaks with media during the World Series Workout Day at Globe Life Field on October 26, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Championship Series - Texas Rangers v Houston Astros - Game One HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the eighth inning against the Houston Astros during Game One of the American League Championship Series at Minute Maid Park on October 15, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) (Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Oakland Athletics OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 26: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees celebrates after a win against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum on August 26, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 14: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees reacts after walking the bases loaded against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium on April 14, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. The Yankees won 3-0. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) (Adam Hunger/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 18: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees pitches in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on August 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
World Series - Texas Rangers v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks during Game Five of the World Series at Chase Field on November 01, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Texas Rangers ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 20: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitches during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field on August 20, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images) (Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
World Series - Texas Rangers v Arizona Diamondbacks - Game Five PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 01: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Texas Rangers celebrates the Commissioner's Trophy after the Texas Rangers beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-0 in Game Five to win the World Series at Chase Field on November 01, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) (Harry How/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Pirates v Cincinnati Reds CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: Aroldis Chapman #45 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrate a win over the Cincinnati Reds as he walks off the field after the game at Great American Ball Park on September 22, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Pittsburgh Pirates won 2-0. (Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images) (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Detroit Tigers DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 20: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees throws a ninth inning pitch against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on April 20, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
New York Yankees v Baltimore Orioles BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 15: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees throws to a Baltimore Orioles batter in the ninth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 15, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) (Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Pittsburgh Pirates PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 03: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds is congratulated by teammate Tucker Barnhart #16 following their 3-1 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the game at PNC Park on October 3, 2015 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) (Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 22: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees pitches during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on September 22, 2022 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Dodgers v Cincinnati Reds CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 27: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park on August 27, 2015 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Dodgers defeated the Reds 1-0. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Pittsburgh Pirates PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 2: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the ninth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates on October 2, 2015 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) (Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds v Chicago Cubs CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 31: Aroldis Chapman #54 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the eighth inning at Wrigley Field on August 31, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images) (Jon Durr/Getty Images)