January 8, 2026

Boston Red Sox relief punisher Aroldis Chapman put together one of the best seasons of his 16-year career in 2025. Following five straight seasons with an ERA above 3.00 and an average 1.30 WHIP, the hard-throwing left-hander turned back the clock, posting an impressive 1.17 ERA and a 0.70 WHIP. Serving as the primary ninth-inning man in Boston, Chapman tallied 32 saves, the fourth-most in the American League. Under the hood, the 37-year-old showed he had taken a massive step forward and could have found a second wind. He generated a 2.09 xERA with a .177 xBA, placing him in the 100th and 99th percentile. His strikeout projection remained near the top of the sport, as his 37.3% K rate placed him in the 99th percentile among qualified pitchers. However, the most notable improvement came from his control. After holding a double-digit walk rate in each season since 2021 and often having one of the highest in the sport, Chapman posted a 6.6% BB%, which is the best mark of his career. He was able to pump his four-seamer in the zone at a 61.6% rate, the highest of his career, which helped him avoid unfavorable counts. His slider also generated a stellar 48.1% swing-and-miss rate, an 18.0% jump from the previous season. While his age is a concern, his improving command and elite strike upside make him a viable RP1 in all standard leagues. Managers will need to pay to acquire his services as he is going off as the No. 6 RP in NFBC drafts at pick 57.2. The cost is high, but Chapman faces minimal competition and should see 30+ save opportunities on a competing Boston club.--Andy Smith