Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. James A. Pittman-Imagn Images

Red Sox reportedly make big decision about 2026 roster

By Kevin Henry | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 9:18 AM ET

At the age of 37, Aroldis Chapman has proven he can still be a very effective weapon in the game's late innings. The Boston Red Sox reportedly are ready to invest in that continuing in the future as well.

According to Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo, Chapman and the Red Sox agreed to a contract extension on Saturday that will extend the closer through the 2026 season. Cotillo also added that there is a vesting/mutual option included as well, meaning Chapman's stay in Boston could even potentially be extended longer.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post had reported on Thursday that the Red Sox were interested in bringing back Chapman. Judging by the contract's initial reports, Boston was willing to pay ahead to keep Chapman in the fold.

Sources: Aroldis Chapman is guaranteed $13.3 million on his new deal that covers 2026.

Vesting option for 2027 based on innings.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) August 31, 2025

Signed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal this offseason, Chapman enters play on Sunday with a 1.04 ERA and 26 saves in 52.0 innings over 57 appearances.

Named as an All-Star for the eighth time in his 16-year MLB career earlier this season, Chapman is putting together a potentially historic season, as Yardbarker's Aaron Somers detailed earlier in the week. The left-hander has limited opposing batters to a .119/.183/.182 slash line and has surrendered just 21 hits.

Chapman has also struck out 38.7 percent of the batters he has faced. Only Mason Miller, now with the San Diego Padres after a midseason trade with the Athletics, has struck out a higher percentage (40.7 percent).

The Red Sox will need Chapman to continue to perform at a high level as the franchise searches for a postseason berth. Boston is 7-3 over its last 10 games, helping cement its place in the American League wild card chase and stay just 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East.

Securing Chapman now is a bit of a gamble for the Red Sox, but the move also ensures that there are no questions about the closer spot heading into the 2026 campaign.

Kevin Henry

A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), Kevin Henry has been covering MLB and MiLB for nearly two decades. Those assignments have included All-Star Games and the MLB postseason, including the World Series. Based in the Denver area, Kevin calls Coors Field his home base, but travels throughout North America during the season to discover the best stories possible

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