Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman Is Having Fun Again

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is in the middle of what might be the best season of his lengthy career. At 37 years old, the lefty has a 1.04 ERA in 52 innings. He’s converted 26 of 28 save opportunities, ranking him among the best closers in baseball.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Chapman has been successful. He’s pitched in 16 seasons, and apart from his 2022 season with the New York Yankees, has had an ERA below four in each of them. Father Time is undefeated, though, and a fall off has to happen eventually. Fortunately for Red Sox fans, it isn’t happening this season.

On Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, Chapman shut the door once again in a 3-2 win. He struck out the side in the inning, but battled through a 12-pitch at-bat with Coby Mayo before he closed the door. The Red Sox closer has now logged 11 2/3 straight innings without allowing a hit. Some would argue it’s the best stretch of his career.

“I’ve felt strong and good in my career, but the difference now is I have more experience and I’m finding a way to enjoy myself a little bit more,” Chapman said on the WEEI postgame show. Will Flemming provided translation for the closer.

Chapman has pitched for seven different teams in his career. He’s won the World Series multiple times. He’s done just about everything there is to do on a baseball field, and he’s finally starting to appreciate his career.

“Early in my career, I was having fun, but there was so much pressure to get better and better every day,” Chapman said via Flemming’s translation. “You just kind of lose your joy for the game at times because you’re so focused. Now, I find myself coming to the field and every single day, just kinda basking in it and enjoying it, taking my time and slowing down. I’m having the time of my life.”

Between Garrett Whitlock and Chapman, the back of the Red Sox bullpen has been lights out. If they continue getting quality starts from the rotation, opponents will have a hard time mounting late comebacks the rest of the season.