Red Sox land blockbuster deal with ex-Yankees star, and it's not Juan Soto

For better or for worse, Aroldis Chapman has had a memorable impact on every team that he has played for since making his MLB debut in 2010. Now, the famed closer appears to be set on joining the seventh team of his career.

On Tuesday, ESPN insider Jeff Passan reported that Chapman is in agreement with the Boston Red Sox (a team that is prioritizing securing Juan Soto as well) for a one-year contract worth $10.75 million. Although the deal is pending a physical examination, it looks probable that Chapman will be pitching out of the Fenway Park bullpen in 2025.

"Left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman and the Boston Red Sox are in agreement on a one-year, $10.75 million contract, pending physical, sources tell ESPN. Boston sought left-handed help for its bullpen and lands the 36-year-old Chapman. @ChrisCotillo said deal was progressing" - Jeff Passan

At 36, the Cuban-born has more than 330 career saves in 760 career innings on the bump. After his defection from Cuba, Chapman began pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010. In September of that year, the left-hander fired a pitch that registered 105.1 miles per hour, gaining him recognition for the fastest pitch in MLB history.

A seven-time All-Star, Aroldis Chapman has become MLB's most sought-after closers. A winner of the 2016 World Series with the Chicago Cubs, Chapman also spent seven seasons pitching for the New York Yankees - who represent his longest-tenured team.

In 2024, the Boston Red Sox posted a bullpen ERA of 4.39, which ranked 24th out of 30 teams. President of baseball operations Craig Breslow -- himself a former reliever -- has spoken of his intent to improve his team's relief capabilities in 2025.

Aroldis Chapman fits right into Red Sox's offseason playbook

While age may have taken its toll on Chapman, he is still seen as an elite and experienced reliever - which is exactly what Boston wants. At the annual GM meetings last month, Breslow said:

“So I think pushing velocity on the development side and then also seeking relievers that have the ability to get swings and misses is going to be a priority for us.”

As a flamethrower who retains at least some of his power, it will be interesting to see how Chapman fares in his return to the AL East.