With the bodily pending, the workforce has not formally confirmed the settlement. It seems, although, that Chapman is on his solution to Boston.
This may be an enormous pickup for the Purple Sox, given their ERA was twenty fourth final season.
Whereas Chapman has develop into a little bit of a journeyman after taking part in his first six seasons in Cincinnati, taking part in for 4 groups since 2022, he nonetheless has a robust arm.
In 68 video games with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the course of the 2024 season, Chapman had 98 strikeouts, 39 walks, 14 saves and an ERA of three.79. His fastball topped out at 105 mph, which reveals the top-end velocity continues to be there for the 36-year-old. The truth is, his fastball averaged just below 99 mph with a strikeout price of 37.1 % in 2024. That ranked in MLB’s 99th percentile, per Ian Browne of MLB.com. He additionally posted a robust 14.8 strikeouts per 9 innings. Chapman handed Corridor of Fame candidate Billy Wagner within the 2024 season for essentially the most strikeouts all-time for a lefty reliever.
Apart from his speedy fastball, Chapman additionally makes use of an influence sinker and slider. If there was an space that wanted enchancment, it must be Chapman’s management. His walk rate of 14.4 percent ranked close to the underside of the league in 2024.
Whereas veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks is ready to return from Tommy John surgical procedure and right-hander Justin Slaten, who impressed in his rookie marketing campaign (6-2, 58 Okay, 9 BB, 2.93 ERA) is again for yr two, getting left-handed pitching assistance is one thing the Purple Sox prioritized heading into the offseason.
In his profession, Chapman has a save proportion of 87.5, which is third amongst energetic pitchers (min. 150 saves), trailing solely Kenley Jansen, who closed for Boston the final two seasons, and Craig Kimbrel.
The seven-time All-Star is bound to supply a much-needed enhance for the Purple Sox bullpen as they get a confirmed lefty that may pitch with one of the best of them.
