At age 37, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is delivering what may be his best season in Major League Baseball. With a 1.18 ERA, the left-hander has set a personal record during his 16th year in the big leagues, demonstrating remarkable effectiveness and control.
Chapman’s 17 saves currently tie him for eighth place in the American League, positioning him to potentially challenge his own career-high mark of 38 saves. His strong showing has earned him a spot on the American League All-Star team for the eighth time, underscoring his continued elite status among closers.
Pitching Coach Bailey’s Influence on Improved Control
Sean McAdam of Masslive.com credits Red Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey for contributing significantly to Chapman’s resurgence this season. Bailey’s coaching has helped Chapman refine his strike-throwing ability, reducing walks and enhancing overall efficiency on the mound.
“Aroldis Chapman is the most obvious example of this, but Bailey has also overseen a big turnaround with Jorge Alcala, who has cut his walk rate from 13.2 percent with the Twins to 8.2 percent since joining the Red Sox.”
—Sean McAdam, Masslive.com
Milestones and Future Goals for the Veteran Closer
Earlier in the season, Chapman recorded his 350th career save, firmly placing him 14th on the all-time saves list with 352 and third among active pitchers. Only former Red Sox closers Kenley Jansen (464 saves) and Craig Kimbrel (460 saves) have amassed more saves among current players.
Looking ahead, Chapman remains determined to reach new heights. Reflecting on his milestone, he expressed his ambition:
“My goal is to reach 400,”
—Aroldis Chapman
“I know that’s not an easy task to accomplish, but I’m going to keep working hard to accomplish that goal.”
Contract Situation and Offseason Outlook
This season, Chapman is pitching under a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Red Sox, and he will become a free agent after the World Series. According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, Chapman has not yet initiated discussions with Boston about a contract extension, leaving his future with the team uncertain. His outstanding performance could play a critical role in negotiations when the offseason arrives.
Significance of Chapman’s Continued Success
Chapman’s ability to maintain such high performance late in his career highlights the impact of effective coaching and his dedication to physical conditioning. His ongoing success brings stability to the Red Sox bullpen and sets an example for veteran pitchers aiming to extend their prime. As he pursues his goal of 400 saves, Chapman’s 2024 campaign serves as a testament to resilience and perseverance in professional baseball.