Ex-Yankees Star Fireballer Reportedly Linked To Red Sox As Possible Offseason Addition

Could the Red Sox actually look to land the former member of the Yankees this offseason?

The Boston Red Sox have plenty of room for growth.

After two straight seasons of winning just 78 games, the Red Sox certainly could improve. Boston has the tools to get better in 2024. The Red Sox have plenty of money to spend, intriguing young talent, and one of the best managers in baseball. Ideally, if the Red Sox were to make one or two big splashes this offseason, they could be in line to make their way back to the postseason in 2024. 

There are plenty of holes on the roster that need to be filled. The starting rotation will be the most talked about spot throughout the offseason. Still, another part of the club that could use a lift is in the bullpen and MassLive.com's Christopher Smith suggested the club could go big and land current Texas Rangers and former New York Yankees star Aroldis Chapman in free agency. 

"As mentioned above, the Red Sox need to add a left-handed reliever," Smith said. "Chapman was one of the more dominant southpaw relievers this season in 61 outings (58 1/3 innings) between the Royals and Rangers.

"He finished in the 100th percentile in both strikeout percentage (41.4%) and whiff percentage (42.2%). He ranked in the 99th percentile in expected batting average (.170) and fastball velocity (99.5 mph). He also was in the 95th percentile in expected ERA (2.84) and 91st percentile in average exit velocity (86.5 mph). But, as always, he struggled throwing strikes. He walked 14.5% of the batters he faced."

Chapman has been mentioned as a fit for the Red Sox in the past and certainly would make sense. The seven-time All-Star began the 2023 campaign with the Kansas City Royals before being traded to the Rangers and impressed with a 3.09 ERA in 61 appearances. Red Sox fans certainly have seen a lot out of Chapman as he spent years with the Yankees and he could help Boston. Pairing Chapman with Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin would form a fearsome trio for opposing teams. 

More MLB: Red Sox Rising Star Reportedly Could Be Traded Away This Offseason