Why Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman’s New Contract Just Makes Sense

Father Time remains undefeated, but Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is doing his best to defy the odds for as long as possible.

The left-hander picked up his 28th save of the season in Monday’s 6-4 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

It was his first appearance since finalizing his $13.3 million contract extension on Sunday and will keep Chapman in Boston for the 2026 season.

In Monday’s game, Chapman extended his career-best hitless streak to 16 games, the longest in club history. It’s the third longest in MLB history, according to the Associated Press.

The 37-year-old is posting a career-best 1.00 ERA this season, by far the lowest among relievers with at least 40 appearances this season.

Masslive.com’s Sean McAdam says it makes sense for the Red Sox to double down on Chapman, who earned his eighth All-Star nod this season.

“(He) has been remarkably durable and injury-free for his career and has avoided any significant arm injuries due to his diligent weight-training program,” McAdam wrote Sunday. “If you’re going to bet on a 37-year-old still throwing 100 mph, Chapman is your guy.

“What’s more, Chapman has been, by all accounts, a good teammate, and unlike some diva-like closers who are fixated on save total, hasn’t once balked when asked to pitch the eighth inning.

“Every free agent deal for a pitcher comes within a certain amount of risk,” McAdam added. “But the Red Sox managed to bring back a guy at the top of his game at 1) a below-market price and 2) with just a one-year investment.”

Chapman’s is tied for sixth in saves this season. He has 363 career saves, good for 13th all-time and third-best among active pitchers.

The hard-throwing southpaw joined the Red Sox in December 2024 on a one-year, $10.75 million contract.