Aroldis Chapman's latest appearance all but ensured he'll spend at least one more season in a Boston Red Sox uniform.
Chapman's clean ninth inning in Boston's 4-0 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday saw him reach 40 innings pitched this year, which vested his $13-million option for 2027. The 38-year-old still has to pass a postseason physical to make it official, per Cot's Contracts.
His 2027 salary can increase by up to $1 million based on his placement in postseason award voting for both the BBWAA's inaugural AL Reliever of the Year and MLB's Mariano Rivera Award.
Chapman originally signed a one-year deal with the Red Sox before the 2025 season. Last August, he extended his stay in Beantown by agreeing to his current deal, which nets him $13.3 million this year.
The nine-time All-Star has enjoyed a career renaissance in Boston. Chapman won his second Rivera Award as the AL's top closer in 2025. He posted a career-best 1.17 ERA and 0.70 WHIP along with a 12.5 K/9, 32 saves, and just three homers allowed in 61 1/3 innings. Chapman also finished seventh in AL Cy Young voting.
This year, he's sporting a 1.99 ERA, 2.57 FIP, and 1.21 WHIP along with 52 strikeouts over 42 appearances. His 27 saves currently place fourth in the AL.
Chapman's 904 appearances are the second most among active pitchers, while his 394 saves rank ninth all time and third among left-handers. In July, he passed Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm to become MLB's all-time strikeout leader among relievers.
