EXPOSED: Why Aroldis Chapman's ELITE 2025 Performance Could Be His LAST as Boston Red Sox Closer

Aroldis Chapman dominated 2025 with a career-best 1.17 ERA and American League Reliever of the Year honors, but will the Boston Red Sox closer still hold that role by season's end in 2026? Host Gabby (Hurlbut) Maljanian ranks every Red Sox reliever by reliability and makes a compelling case for why Chapman's age-related decline is inevitable.

The breakdown covers Garrett Whitlock's emergence as the closer-in-waiting, Brennan Bernardino's overuse concerns, and Steven Matz's impact after his trade deadline acquisition. Key discussions include Richard Fitts unlocking something special as a reliever versus starter, Jordan Hicks ranking dead last despite being a centerpiece of the Rafael Devers trade, and why the bullpen's sixth and seventh innings remain the biggest question mark heading into 2026.

Discover which Red Sox relievers are primed for breakout seasons and which arms Craig Breslow needs to target in free agency to maintain the American League's top bullpen ERA.


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