Aroldis Chapman finished 2025 as one of the most effective relievers in baseball, and the Boston Red Sox moved fast to keep him. The Cuban left-hander signed a one-year extension worth $13.3 million while the season was still going — a clear signal that Boston wasn’t waiting around for free agency.
The Contract at a Glance
- Team: Boston Red Sox
- Signed: September 1, 2025
- Length: 1 year
- Total guaranteed value: $13.3 million
- Average annual value: $13.3 million
How the Deal Is Structured
It’s a straightforward agreement: one year, fully guaranteed. What makes it interesting is the timing — Boston locked Chapman up mid-season, when he was pitching at his best, avoiding a potential bidding war in the open market. The deal also includes a 2027 option, giving the team flexibility to extend the relationship or walk away clean depending on how next season goes.
At 37, having that option attached isn’t just a formality — it’s a vote of confidence in his ability to keep competing at a high level.
What «Fully Guaranteed» Actually Means
In MLB, a fully guaranteed contract means the team owes the player the full amount regardless of injury, performance, or roster changes. Chapman gets his $13.3 million, no conditions attached. The 2027 option is what gives the deal its upside: if Boston wants to run it back, they activate it; if not, Chapman hits the open market.
Where He Stands Among the Highest-Paid Relievers
Chapman’s deal doesn’t crack the top tier of current MLB contracts, but a $13.3 million AAV for a 37-year-old reliever is a strong number by any measure. It reflects where he stands in the game right now — not a sentimental signing, but a market-driven one.
His Previous Contracts
- Cincinnati Reds (2010–2014): $30.3 million — signed as an international player
- New York Yankees (2017–2021): $86 million — signed as a free agent
Chapman broke into the majors with Cincinnati, building his reputation as an elite closer over five seasons. The big leap came when he signed with the Yankees in 2017 for $86 million over five years, cementing his place among the highest-paid relievers in the game. Now, with Boston, he’s adding another chapter — and the market is still buying in.
Career Earnings
Adding up every contract he’s signed in MLB: $130 million in guaranteed money. That figure covers base salary, signing bonuses, and earned bonuses — not endorsements or any money from leagues outside the United States.
