"Looks like they're out on Juan Soto" "What a waste of $10M" - Fans unimpressed as Red Sox signs former Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman

The Boston Red Sox reportedly signed Aroldis Chapman to a one-year contract on Tuesday. The deal, which is worth $10.75 million, adds the veteran arm to the Red Sox's pitching staff. However, the reliever has had mixed results and will be 37 when the next season starts.

Chapman has been one of the more popular closers in the league since the last decade. He has had long spells with the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees. However, in his last season with the Yanks, he lost form.

Chapman rebounded with a decent 2023 with the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers, winning the World Series with the latter.

This year, he lined up for the Pittsburgh Pirates, recording 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA across 61.2 innings and 14 saves. He earned $10.5 million in his one year with the club and seems to have struck a similar deal with the Red Sox.

Fans weren't pleased. The majority opinion is that the club has overplayed its hand in the deal.

"Looks like they’re out on Soto now," a fan said.

"What a waste of 10mil dollars. Keep up the good work Boston," a fan said.

"I wish I could get paid $10 million to be terrible at my job," a fan said about Chapman.

Fans were disappointed, and many think the Red Sox could have taken a different path.

"He is washed up," a fan said.

"When is the soonest he can be DFA’d?," a fan joked.

"I think you misspelled Juan Soto and got the numbers wrong," another fan joked.

Aroldis Chapman joins a Red Sox bullpen in need of depth

Boston's two most experienced relievers, Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin, have chosen to go into free agency. Aroldis signing with them might signal the end of hopes of getting Jansen back, as he was the primary closer for the team in 2024. The 36-year-old's signing came after the team had signed veteran reliever Justin Wilson at the start of the offseason.

The pair will make up for the major names in the bullpen, along with a returning Liam Hendricks and Justin Slaten. The team will also rely on Josh Winckowski and Greg Weissert, the two relievers with the most innings under their belt this past season. The team still needs to fix their starting rotation and sign an ace.