Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman’s New Contract Contains Wrinkle
Chapman is an eight-time All-Star
Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman will return to Fenway Park in 2026. And if he pitches next year like he is throwing this year, the fireballing left-hander could pocket some extra money.
“Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, who signed a two-year, $26 million contract extension, becomes the first player to have a bonus for winning the BBWAA’s new Reliever of the Year award which begins in 2026,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported Sunday.
Nightengale reported last month on the creation of the new awards from the Baseball Writers Association of America.
“It’ll be the first addition to one of BBWAA’s prestigious awards since 1983 when it included the AL and NL Manager of the Year,” Nightengale wrote in August.
The current list of awards presented by the BBWAA includes MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year in each league.
The 37-year-old Chapman is enjoying his best season in the big leagues, posting a career-low 0.98 ERA in 60 appearances this year. He’s fourth in the American League with 29 saves.
The Cuban native has not allowed a hit since July 23. According to ESPN, Chapman has made 17 straight appearances without allowing a hit, making it the third-longest streak since 1901. He trails the 20 straight by the Miami Marlins‘ Randy Choate in 2011 and 18 straight by the New York Mets‘ Tim Byrdak in 2012.
Chapman, an eight-time All-Star, signed with the Red Sox in December of 2004, getting a one-year, $10.75 million contract.
He was slated to be a free agent following the 2025 World Series but passed on the open market, agreeing to a one-year, $13.3 million extension with a vesting option for 2027.
Chapman and right-hander Garrett Whitlock have created perhaps the best 1-2 bullpen combination in the majors this year. Whitlock, the primary eighth-inning reliever and bridge to Chapman, has a 2.48 ERA in 56 appearances this season.
