Baseball star, Aroldis Chapman, secures contract extension with the Boston Red Sox until 2026, with a reported annual salary of $13.3 million.

Boston Red Sox and Aroldis Chapman Agree to One-Year Extension

The Boston Red Sox have secured the services of their All-Star closer, Aroldis Chapman, for another year. The team and Chapman have agreed to a one-year contract extension, ensuring that the Red Sox's bullpen remains strong for the 2026 season.

As of Sunday, the Red Sox are 3 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East and are in the second American League wild card spot with a 75-62 record. The team is also 4 1/2 games up on a postseason berth, making Chapman's continued presence crucial for a potential playoff run.

Chapman is having an exceptional season, with 26 saves out of 28 chances, 74 strikeouts in 52 innings, and a career-low 7.3% walk rate. Statcast expects Chapman's ERA to be 1.97 and his batting average against to be a minuscule .167. Opponents are hitting only .119 against Chapman, a testament to his dominance on the mound.

The contract is worth $12 million for 2026, with a $13 million vesting option for 2027 if Chapman pitches 40 innings. If the vesting option does not vest, there is a $13 million mutual option with a $300,000 buyout.

Chapman's continued success could see him move into second place all-time among relievers in terms of FanGraphs WAR, surpassing Goose Gossage. Mariano Rivera remains the all-time leader in this category.

Meanwhile, Lucas Giolito, Boston's most significant impending free agent, has pitched to a 3.47 ERA in 119 1/3 innings this year. Giolito is expected to decline his end of the mutual option and test free agency. His club option will convert to a $19 million mutual option when he reaches 140 innings.

Other potential free agents for the Red Sox after the 2026 season include third baseman Alex Bregman, who has opt-outs in his contract and might hit free agency, and possibly catcher Salvador Perez or other position players whose contracts or options expire around that time. The main focus could also be on pursuing new free agents such as pitchers like Joe Ryan or Framber Valdez to strengthen the roster.

The Red Sox's agreement with Chapman may also pave the way for his potential induction into the Hall of Fame in the future. Billy Wagner's induction into the Hall of Fame could set a precedent for Chapman's recognition as one of the greatest relievers in baseball history.

Chapman continues to evolve his pitching arsenal, regularly hitting 100 mph and incorporating more sinkers, sliders, and splitters into his repertoire. The Red Sox can look forward to another year of Chapman's exceptional pitching, as he continues to dominate hitters and secure wins for the team.

Baseball star, Aroldis Chapman, secures contract extension with the Boston Red Sox until 2026, with a reported annual salary of $13.3 million.