Aroldis Chapman DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman was recently named the primary closer heading into the regular season, according to manager Alex Cora. Well, there's still 161 more chances for Chapman to get a save, but he didn't get that chance on Thursday. Instead, Chapman was called upon to face left-handed slugger Corey Seager in the eighth inning. It's worth noting that the game was tied when Chapman came in which could be part of the reason why they decided to use him in that spot. Afterwards, Wilyer Abreu smacked a three-run home run and right-hander Justin Slaten was called upon to close out the game. Chapman will certainly get his save chances, but this isn't quite a full-time closer role like the organization claimed it was a few days ago. Fantasy managers who have Chapman rostered should keep him as he'll likely still get a majority of the save opportunities.

Boston Red Sox left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman will operate as the primary closer to begin the season, according to manager Alex Cora. As expected, Chapman has won the closer competition in Boston, but he could pitch in different spots as well. Cora confirmed that Chapman could pitch in the seventh or eighth inning if the matchup is right. If that happens, Liam Hendriks or Justin Slaten could see the occasion save chance. For now, fantasy managers should expect Chapman to get the bulk of the save chances in Boston to start the season.

MassLive's Christ Cotillo and Sean McAdam write that Boston Red Sox veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman appears to have become the in-house favorite to close out games in the ninth inning to begin the 2025 regular season. The quality of Chapman's stuff has stood out, despite the fact that veteran right-hander Liam Hendriks has corrected some of the command issues that plagued him early in spring training. Chapman isn't immune from command issues, either, but he's pitched much better than Hendriks this spring and is also a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion that has 335 career saves over 15 MLB seasons. This news will be favorable for Chapman's ADP in fantasy drafts before Opening Day next Thursday, but don't forget that he walked 39 hitters in 61 2/3 innings a year ago in Pittsburgh. Chapman will still be a shaky fantasy closer with a likely short leash if he struggles.