Aroldis Chapman is returning to the American League East, as the longtime closer has agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Red Sox, according to multiple reports.
Chapman seemed to confirm those reports, posting a picture of himself in a Boston cap shortly after the news broke.
Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/MhJ64TN6Lq
— Aroldis Chapman (@AChapman_105) December 3, 2024
Chapman is no stranger to the American League East, as he previously spent two stints with the Yankees from 2016-2022. The Yankees acquired the flamethrowing southpaw from the Reds in December 2015 with Chapman facing MLB’s first suspension under a new Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse policy. They then flipped Chapman to the Cubs’ World Series-winning team that season — Gleyber Torres was part of the return — before bringing him back as a free agent that offseason.
Chapman’s Yankees tenure — and the worst season of his career — ended in 2022 when he skipped a mandatory workout before the American League Division Series.
The 36-year-old totaled a 2.94 ERA, 153 saves and 453 strikeouts over 315 games with the Yankees. The two-time World Series champ has since pitched for the Royals, Rangers and Pirates.
Chapman recorded a 3.79 ERA and 14 saves with Pittsburgh last season. While his average velocity dipped, he was still able to reach triple digits with his fastball throughout the year.
It’s unclear if Chapman, who has 335 career saves, will continue closing with the Red Sox. Kenley Jansen’s own free agency has created an opportunity, but former White Sox closer Liam Hendriks is also under contract with Boston after he was unable to return from Tommy John surgery last season.
HIGGY’S NEW HOME
Chapman wasn’t the only ex-Yankee to find a new home this week, as former batterymate Kyle Higashioka agreed to a deal with the Rangers on Monday night.
The pact guarantees Higashioka two seasons and comes with a mutual option. The catcher will make $5.75 million in 2025 and $6.75 million in 2026. The option is worth $7 million and comes with a $1 million buyout, per MLB.com.
The Yankees made Higashioka a seventh-round pick in 2008. The 34-year-old remained with the Bombers until last December, when he, Michael King, Jhony Brito, Drew Thorpe and Randy Vásquez were traded to San Diego in the Juan Soto trade.
Higashioka, who grew up in nearby Huntington Beach, hit .220 with 10 homers over 84 games for the Padres.
