Red Sox’s 8-Time All-Star Named AL Reliever of the Month After Perfect August
It doesn’t get much better than allowing zero runs and hits—and that’s exactly what Aroldis Chapman did in August.
The Boston Red Sox closer, fresh off his ninth All-Star selection in July, responded to a rare mistake—a solo homer to Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto on July 23—by dominating the next month in historic fashion.
In 12 August appearances, Chapman was untouchable: zero runs, zero hits, and just one walk. That dominant stretch earned him the American League’s Reliever of the Month award, announced Wednesday by Major League Baseball. Over in the National League, Braves closer Raisel Iglesias received the same honor.
Chapman’s brilliance wasn’t the only bright spot for Boston, as outfielder Roman Anthony was also named AL Rookie of the Month—though his achievement came just a day after suffering a concerning oblique injury that has Red Sox fans anxiously awaiting updates.
Still, Chapman’s month stood out as extraordinary. He faced 34 batters and allowed only one to reach base, stretching his streak to 16 consecutive hitless appearances (13 2/3 innings in total).
Capping off the month, Chapman signed a one-year, $13.3 million extension with Boston on August 31. The deal includes a vesting option for 2027 if he throws 40 innings next season and finishes the year healthy.
At 37 and in his 16th MLB season, Chapman is arguably having the best year of his career. His ERA dropped to 1.00 after a recent save against Cleveland, and his WHIP, walk rate, and ERA+ are also personal bests.
For Red Sox chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, Chapman has been a home-run signing. With the team in the thick of a playoff race, having a dominant closer like Chapman could be a game-changer.
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