Boston, MA - In a stunning development, the Boston Red Sox have finalized a $10.75 million, one-year contract with hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman, a move that is set to send shockwaves throughout the baseball world. The signing, which was confirmed earlier today, sees the 35-year-old left-hander join the Red Sox after a long and storied career with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees.
Chapman, a seven-time MLB All-Star and former World Series champion, brings a wealth of experience and a 100mph fastball to the Fenway Park bullpen. With his ability to strike out opposing batters at an alarming rate, the Cuban-born pitcher is expected to make an immediate impact for the Red Sox, who have been looking to bolster their relief corps in the offseason.
According to reports, Chapman traveled to Boston earlier this week to finalize the deal, which is believed to include performance-related incentives that could see the pitcher earn even more than the initial $10.75 million.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora welcomed the signing, calling Chapman a 'difference maker' who will bring a new level of intensity to the team's bullpen. 'Aroldis is an elite pitcher who has consistently dominated opposing lineups throughout his career,' Cora said in a statement. 'We're thrilled to have him on board and we're looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Red Sox uniform.'
Chapman, for his part, took to social media to express his excitement about joining the Red Sox. 'I'm proud to join the Boston Red Sox and be a part of this great organization,' he tweeted. 'I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success and helping to bring another World Series title to the city of Boston.'