After the historic season he just had, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is probably going to get a lot of hardware this winter.
On Friday, Chapman received his first major award of the offseason, as Baseball Digest / Inside Edge voted him MLB Relief Pitcher of the Year.
Chapman was an easy choice for the award, leading relievers in numerous categories this year. He led all relievers in ERA (1.17), FIP (1.73), WHIP (0.70) and opponent batting average (.131), among other categories.
The 37-year-old lefty put together the best year of his career in 2025, finishing with personal bests in several categories, including WAR (3.5), ERA, WHIP, walk rate (2.2 BB/9) and K/BB ratio (5.67).
It was Chapman’s best season in years, marking a return to form after his career appeared to be on the downswing in recent seasons. He made his first All-Star team since 2021 (eighth overall) and will likely win his second AL Reliever of the Year award as well. He might even get some Cy Young votes.
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The veteran flamethrower was the top reliever in baseball all year, especially in the middle of the season. He allowed just one earned run over 34 innings from May 28 to Sept. 7 — good for a 0.26 ERA — and faced 50 consecutive batters without allowing a hit at one point.
Chapman was so good that he earned himself a contract extension in-season, which rarely happens for older relievers. Based on his outstanding performance this year, however, he clearly deserved it.
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