For a second consecutive year, the Boston Red Sox season ended in disappointment, losing in the Wild Card round to the New York Yankees. It figures to be a long offseason for Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow and the rest of the Red Sox front office as they look to retool into World Series contenders heading into the 2027 season. 

An off-season that has already begun as, according to Francys Romero, All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman passed his end-of-year physical, officially triggering the option for the 2027 season. 

The 38-year-old closer has been a revelation for Boston since signing as a free agent ahead of the 2025 season. After posting a 1.17 ERA in 2025, Chapman signed a one-year, $13-million extension with Boston for the 2026 season, with a conditional option that vested if he pitched 40 innings in 2026 and passed his end-of-year physical, both of which have now happened, officially vesting that option  

Chapman’s 2027 salary, however, is still to be determined. According to Romero, his salary will depend on how he finishes in the 2026 reliever-of-the-year voting, with salaries ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, meaning the 38-year-old will make between $13 and $14 million. 

It was a historic 17th season in 2026, as he converted 35 of his 37 save opportunities to reach 402 in his career and No. 9 on the All-Time saves leaderboard. In addition to becoming the ninth closer in history to reach 400 saves, Chapman passed Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm for the most strikeouts by a reliever in history with 1,402. Overall, he posted a 1.92 ERA in 53 appearances en route to his ninth career All-Star appearance and an All-MLB nomination. 

Chapman appeared to be nearing the end of the road, posting a 3.56 ERA in his last six seasons before signing with the Red Sox. However, he has completely revitalized his career in two seasons in Boston. Over 113 innings pitched, Chapman posted a 1.51 ERA that ranks the lowest among all qualified relievers, earning his first two All-Star selections since 2021. In addition to leading all relievers in ERA over the past two seasons, he also ranks top five among all relievers in win probability added (7.02, 3rd) and shutdowns (71, 4th). 

The Red Sox will hold their annual end-of-season media availability at 11:00 a.m. ET. on Monday morning at Fenway Park. Team president Sam Kennedy, Breslow, and manager Chad Tracy will meet with the assembled media to address the disappointing finish to the season, their plans to improve the team for 2027, and the impending lockout.