Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman Reaches Innings Milestone, Impact on Contract Status for 2027 MLB Season

Closer Aroldis Chapman has put himself on track to return to the Boston Red Sox on a $13 million salary in 2027.

According to MassLive's Chris Cotillo, Chapman had the chance to lock in a vesting option for next season in part by pitching 40 innings in 2026.

Chapman pitched his 40th inning of the season by closing out the Red Sox's 4-0 Saturday evening win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

He will now remain under contract for another season with the Red Sox as long as he passes a physical at the end of the season.

Chapman's vesting option could reach $14 million next season if he contends for any awards, per Cotillo.

The pitcher has so far earned $189.6 million over 17 MLB seasons with seven teams, per Spotrac.

Chapman, who turned 38 in February, was initially expected to be a trade candidate as the Red Sox floundered in the months leading up to the deadline.

The Red Sox then went 21-4 in the month of July to climb back into postseason contention.

Chapman was named AL Reliever of the Month over that stretch after recording a 0.75 ERA and 10 saves in 10 appearances.

That led to Chapman sticking around in Boston, where he headed into Saturday with season-long stats of a 2.04 ERA and 27 saves over 33 appearances.

He threw 10 strikes on 15 pitches and recorded two strikeouts while pitching his 40th inning of the season Saturday in Pittsburgh.

Chapman's health at the end of the season will now impact whether he returns for his age-39 season with the Red Sox. For now the veteran closer will focus on helping his club hold onto its spot in the AL Wild Card race.