3 days agoBoston Red Sox left-handed relief pitcher
Aroldis Chapman will operate as the primary closer to begin the season, according to manager Alex Cora. As expected, Chapman has won the closer competition in Boston, but he could pitch in different spots as well. Cora confirmed that Chapman could pitch in the seventh or eighth inning if the matchup is right. If that happens,
Liam Hendriks or
Justin Slaten could see the occasion save chance. For now, fantasy managers should expect Chapman to get the bulk of the save chances in Boston to start the season.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Browne
1 week agoMassLive's Christ Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed reliever
Aroldis Chapman appears to have become the in-house favorite to close out games in the ninth inning to begin the 2025 regular season. The quality of Chapman's stuff has stood out, despite the fact that veteran right-hander
Liam Hendriks has corrected some of the command issues that plagued him early in spring training. Chapman isn't immune from command issues, either, but he's pitched much better than Hendriks this spring and is also a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion that has 335 career saves over 15 MLB seasons. This news will be favorable for Chapman's ADP in fantasy drafts before Opening Day next Thursday, but don't forget that he walked 39 hitters in 61 2/3 innings a year ago in Pittsburgh. Chapman will still be a shaky fantasy closer with a likely short leash if he struggles.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo and Sean McAdam
4 months agoThe Boston Red Sox and relief pitcher
Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one-year, $10.75 million deal. Boston was looking to add a left-handed bullpen arm and Chapman would fulfill that need. The 36-year-old was a reliever for the Pirates last season, taking over as closer down the stretch, and tallied a 3.79 ERA (3.04 FIP), 1.35 WHIP, 22.3% K-BB%, 22 holds, and 14 saves over 61 2/3 IP. Right now it's uncertain who will be the closer as
Kenley Jansen is a free agent and
Liam Hendriks was shut down late last season due to elbow soreness after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Chapman could be a solid source of strikeouts for fantasy managers regardless of role, but would be even more relevant were he to be named closer, so keep an eye on this situation come spring.
--Jarod Rupp - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Passan
4 months agoAccording to Francys Romero, six clubs have "real interest" in free agent relief pitcher
Aroldis Chapman. Last summer, the hard-throwing southpaw spent the entire campaign in the Steel City and held a solid 3.79 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP with a 98:39 BB:K ratio through 61 2/3 innings of work. He also tallied 14 saves. He posted stellar metrics under the hood with a 2.98 xERA and .165 xBA, which placed him in the top 90th and 99th percentile, respectively. He also showcased elite swing-and-miss upside with a 32.3% whiff rate and 37.1% K rate. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to where the 36-year-old signs in the offseason, as he could be a favorite to earn save opportunities given his ability to generate whiffs at an elite rate.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Francys Romero
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