Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is performing well early in the 2025 Major League Baseball season, providing stability to the bullpen after signing a one-year contract. The left-hander was brought in following Kenley Jansen's departure in the offseason, tasked with handling late-inning situations.
Through the first month of the season, the 37-year-old has posted a 1.59 ERA. He has recorded four saves, but has also been used by manager Alex Cora in other high-leverage situations with the game tied. Chapman has struck out 17 batters while walking four.
A significant factor in Chapman's early success appears to be a reduction in walks. His current walk rate of 3.2 walks per nine innings is lower than his rates from 2022 through 2024, including a 5.7 BB/9 mark last season. This marks his lowest rate since 2016.
The veteran pitcher has also altered his pitch mix, leaning more heavily on his fastball. His fastball usage has climbed to 60.2 percent this season, the highest since 2020, up from a career-low 33.4 percent last year. Sinkers, which made up 27.7 percent of his pitches last season, are down slightly to 21.6 percent.
Chapman continues to demonstrate high velocity, ranking in the 98th percentile for fastball speed. He also ranks highly among pitchers in strikeout percentage (99th percentile), whiff percentage (99th percentile), and chase percentage (96th percentile).
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While his March and April performance statistically represents his strongest months throughout his career with a 1.33 ERA and 14.8 K/9 in 136 games, challenges may arise as the season progresses into warmer weather. Chapman's barrel percentage ranks in the fourth percentile and his hard hit percentage in the sixth percentile.
Chapman has pitched for several teams in recent years, including the Yankees, Kansas City, Texas, and Pittsburgh, before joining Boston. He is a seven-time All-Star and was an American League Reliever of the Year. He currently sits 16th on the all-time saves list, two behind Rollie Fingers. Achieving 30 saves this season, a mark he hasn't reached since 2021, could move him near the top 10.
General manager Craig Breslow and pitching coach Andrew Bailey reportedly aimed for a plan utilizing Chapman's heat this year. His performance to date indicates the approach is yielding positive results for the club Read the rest here.
