Usually when a pitcher gets older, the arm starts to slow down, and they get tired quicker. Then they start getting worse and worse stats until they decide to hang it up and call it a career.
However, Boston Red Sox All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman is proving that just because he’s old doesn’t mean he’s slowing down.
MORE: Red Sox between two young flamethrowers to start on Monday after Walker Buehler’s demotion
This year, Chapman is shattering his own career records at 37 years old. Right now, he’s broken his career best records for ERA, WHIP, and BB/9.
His current ERA is 1.08, the lowest in the MLB for relievers, and his previous best was 1.51 in 2012. His current WHIP is 0.70, and his former best was 0.81 in 2012. Finally, his BB/9 is 2.5, when before his best was 2.8 in 2016.
MORE: Red Sox CBO Craig Breslow signals great chance that team’s No. 1 pitching prospect could be promoted to Boston soon
The Red Sox signed Chapman this past offseason for one-year, $10.75 million, and the Sox definitely didn’t expect this level of performance. Last season Chapman was with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he had a 3.79 ERA, a WHIP of 1.346, and a BB/9 of 5.7. He was just supposed to be a replacement for the Sox’s previous All-Star closer, Kenley Jansen.
Now, knowing that Chapman still has a ton left in the tank, the Sox might give him another chance with another contract. Hopefully they do, as he basically guarantees the win when he’s on the mound.
MORE BOSTON RED SOX NEWS
MORE: Red Sox continue to dominate in The Rivalry this century with insane season record against Yankees
Red Sox pegged as top trade destination this offseason for $115 million four-time All-Star second baseman
Bleacher Report revealed Red Sox’ most troubling red flag amid playoff push
