When it comes to Cy Young voting, relief pitchers are usually an afterthought. It’s tough for them to compete with starting pitchers, who throw many more innings and are far more valuable to their teams. There’s a reason only one reliever has won the award in the last 30-plus years (Eric Gagne in 2003).
Just one relief pitcher received Cy Young consideration this year, and it was Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman. He finished seventh in the American League Cy Young voting after receiving four fifth-place votes — his first Cy Young votes since 2012 and the best finish of his career.
Chapman was historically dominant for the Red Sox this season, going 5-3 with a 1.17 ERA, a 1.73 FIP, a 0.70 WHIP and 85 strikeouts in 61 1/3 innings. He also went 32 for 34 in save opportunities and held opponents to a .132/.189/.198 batting line.
At age 37 and in his 16th Major League season, Chapman was better than ever this year. The flamethrowing lefty had a 50-batter hitless streak at one point and made 17 straight appearances without allowing a hit — the third-longest streak in MLB history.
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Chapman, who signed a one-year deal with Boston last offseason, earned a contract extension for 2026 that includes a vesting option for 2027. The Red Sox are hoping for similar production from him next year, although some regression should be expected following his career year.
Chapman’s teammate, Garrett Crochet, finished second in the AL Cy Young race to Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who won the award for the second year in a row.
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Featured image via Dan Hamilton/Imagn Images
