The Boston Red Sox welcomed left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman aboard this offseason and the longtime flamethrower plans to do much more for the franchise than just rack up strikeouts in late-game situations next season.
Chapman, a once-top notch bullpen weapon, isn’t worried about utilization as he switches out of his Pittsburgh Pirates uniform for Red Sox threads. The 36-year-old signed a one-year deal to make Fenway Park his new home and set the record straight regarding a premier priority before getting acclimated in Boston’s young clubhouse.
“Besides all the responsibilities that I might have on the field, on the role I’m pitching in and whatnot, for me it’s very important to help young players,” Chapman told reporters through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez Thursday, per team-provided video. “Young players not only in the big league roster but also in the minor leagues. For me, it’s very important to help them, not only on the field but off the field also — how to be a good person, how to behave and let them know that they always can count on me.”
It’s been 14 years since Chapman first debuted with the Cincinnati Reds. But even after well over a decade, he remembers those who filled that mentor role for him.
“Scott Rolen, Francisco Cordero, Ramón Hernández,” Chapman said, per team-provided video. “And I feel now that the time has passed. I feel like now it’s my time to fill that role and to try to help the young guys to be better.”
Boston has entrusted its youth movement, promoting players such as Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilyer Abreu and Triston Casas in recent years — the same position Chapman found himself in when arriving on the scene with Cincinnati.
Chapman is entering his 16th big league campaign, fresh off recording a 3.79 ERA with 14 saves and 98 strikeouts across 68 appearances with Pittsburgh in 2024. Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow noted, ever since July’s MLB trade deadline, that bullpen depth was among the main focal points for improvement. Chapman, a seven-time All-Star with a convincing Hall of Fame resume, helps address one of those needs.
Without getting too deep into the details, Chapman revealed that conversations with Boston manager Alex Cora and pitching coach Andrew Bailey took place, but his role isn’t determined yet.
“We’ve had time to talk, but nothing about that,” Chapman said, per team-provided video. “I feel like I don’t have any problem pitching in any kind of situation. I’ve pretty much been in every role in the bullpen. So anytime they need me I’ll be ready to pitch.”
