Rangers 2023 World Series champion named AL Reliever of the Year after career revival

The Rangers showed how serious they were about winning their first-ever World Series when they acquired lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman from the Kansas City Royals in exchange for left-handed starting pitcher Cole Ragans and outfielder Roni Cabrera at the 2023 Trade Deadline. Although having Ragans would be nice, there is no doubt that the Rangers make that trade every time, as it led to winning the Fall Classic.

Chapman was good but not dominant with Texas, posting a 3.72 ERA with 50 strikeouts and 16 walks in 29 innings during the regular season. He had great results during the 2023 Postseason, managing a 2.25 ERA over eight innings. He was a bit lucky, as he had a 5.63 FIP during the playoffs for the Rangers, but he still got the job done.

After winning the World Series with Texas, Chapman signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He had a solid season with Pittsburgh in 2024, posting a 3.79 ERA (3.04 FIP) with 98 strikeouts and 39 walks in 61 1/3 innings. Then, he signed a one-year contract with the Boston Red Sox and arguably had the best season of his career as a 37-year-old.

Rangers 2023 World Series Champion Aroldis Chapman named 2025 AL Reliever of the Year after dominant season with Red Sox

Chapman, who is still able to hit over 100 mph on his fastball, posted the highest bWAR total (3.5) of his career with 32 saves, a 1.17 ERA, 85 strikeouts and 15 walks with the Red Sox en route to winning the 2025 Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award. On Sept. 1, Chapman and the Red Sox agreed to an extension through 2026 worth $13.3 million. It also includes a mutual option for 2027.

It's too bad that Chapman and the Red Sox already agreed to a contract extension, as the Rangers really could use him for their dismantled bullpen. But it makes sense why Chapman agreed to the deal, considering he had one of the best seasons of his career with Boston this past season. At this point, one has to wonder if Chapman will pitch into his late 40s.