For those living under a rock, Chapman was a fireball closer for the Cincinnati Reds from 2010 to 2015 before signing with the New York Yankees in 2016. When the 2016 Yankees faltered, they made the decision to trade their two best relief pitchers (Andrew Miller the other) for prospects. Chapman went to the Chicago Cubs and his October woes started as he famously blew a 3 run lead in Game 7 of the World Series. He did get credit for the win when the Cubs rallied, but it was concerning.
After the 2016 season, Chapman returned to the Yankees. Once again, after having a good regular season, he allowed a walkoff double in Game 2 of the ALCS to the Houston Astros. He did bounce back to save Game 4, but the Yankees lost in 7 games. In 2018, as well all know, it was the year of the Red Sox. Chapman did blow a regular season save against the Red Sox in their early August sweep of the Yankees, but there was nothing he could do in October against the juggernaut Red Sox. In 2019, he famously allowed a walkoff home run to give the Astros the pennant in Game 6. The following year, he allowed a go-ahead home run to Mike Brosseau to lose the 2020 ALDS to the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees were swept by the Houston Astros out of the 2022 ALCS which wasn't really Chapman's fault. In 2023, he signed with the Kansas City Royals but was traded to the Texas Rangers. He actually pitched well in October, allowing just 2 runs in 8 innings as the Rangers went on to win the World Series.
Last year at age 36 he went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA and 14 saves for the last place Pittsburgh Pirates. With Kenley Jansen running for the hills before the season ended, it was obvious he wasn't coming back in 2025. Signing Chapman to replace him makes sense, and it also saves money. Jansen made 16 million in 2024 and Chapman is making 10. If the Sox plan on fixing the team, they're going to have to do better than sign a 36 year old closer....but it's a start.
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