Papelbon Praises Chapman: 37‑Year‑Old Closer Stuns Red Sox Fans

Papelbon Praises Chapman: 37‑Year‑Old Closer Stuns Red Sox Fans

When Jonathan Papelbon, the former Boston Red Sox closer, told reporters on Sept. 5, 2025, that Aroldis Chapman is "doing things nobody expected" at age 37, the sound of his endorsement rang through Fenway like a fresh rally cry.

The comments, captured by Henry Palattella for the team‑beat column, arrived just as Chapman posted a sub‑2.00 ERA in September, a startling figure for a veteran reliever whose fastball still tops 100 mph. Papelbon, who still holds the franchise’s 0.92 ERA record from 2006 and a 46‑batters‑without‑a‑hit streak, drew a direct line between his own intimidating mound presence and Chapman’s.

Why Papelbon’s Praise Matters

Back in 2004, Theo Epstein reshaped the Red Sox roster, snagging closer Keith Foulke and starter Curt Schilling. That move set the stage for Papelbon’s emergence in 2005, and his 47 saves that year helped seal the team’s first World Series title in 86 years.

Fast‑forward two decades, and the bullpen’s reputation still leans on that legacy. When a former legend like Papelbon touts a current pitcher, fans take notice because he’s spoken the language of the clubhouse, the pressure‑filled ninth inning, and the roar of Fenwick Park (the colloquial nickname for Fenway’s left‑field wall).

Chapman’s Late‑Career Surge

At 37, most relievers are winding down, but Chapman’s recent numbers read like a rookie’s breakout. In the first 58 innings of the 2025 season, he totaled 79 strikeouts, posted a WHIP of 0.88, and earned three saves in the last week alone. Those stats place him firmly in the conversation for the AL Reliever of the Month award, a rare feat for a player in his late thirties.

"He and I have that same demeanor," Papelbon said, leaning into the interview. "We stare you down. We dare you. The guy’s an animal on the rubber." The analogy isn’t just bravado; both pitchers rely on a psychological edge, letting batters feel the heat before the fastball even leaves their hand.

Record‑Chasing Implications

Chapman’s current ERA of 1.63 sits a whisker above Papelbon’s 0.92 record season, but the veteran’s strikeout rate is edging toward the franchise’s all‑time single‑season high of 111, set by Papelbon in 2007. If Chapman finishes the season with at least 105 strikeouts, he’ll eclipse that mark by a comfortable margin.

That potential may unsettle some purists, but the Red Sox front office appears unfazed. General Manager Brian Windhorst (not to be confused with the NBA analyst) told the press that the club’s priority is “wins, not record‑keeping.” Yet every time Chapman shuts the door on a ninth‑inning rally, the conversation inevitably drifts back to how close he’s getting to Papelbon’s mythic stats.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Red Sox fans took to social media with a wave of #ChapmanRocks posts, many quoting Papelbon verbatim. On Twitter, longtime season‑ticket holder Mike Donovan wrote, “If Papelbon can’t sleep because I’m watching Chapman break his record, that’s a good problem.”

Baseball analysts echoed the sentiment. ESPN’s Jayson Stark noted in his column that “age is becoming a number, not a ceiling, for elite relievers, and Chapman is the living proof.” Meanwhile, former Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield (posthumously through prior interviews) had once said, “A great closer can be a team’s heartbeat. If Chapman’s ticking louder than mine ever did, you’ve got a winner.”

What This Means for the Red Sox’s Future

With the trade deadline looming, the front office faces a dilemma: lock in a 38‑year‑old for a multi‑year extension or start scouting the next generation of closers. The contract talks, according to sources close to the negotiations, include performance bonuses tied to ERA and save totals — a clear nod to the record‑chasing narrative.

Regardless of the outcome, the current bullpen’s confidence is palpable. In a post‑game interview after a 5‑2 win over the Yankees on Sept. 4, pitcher Nathan Eovaldi said, “When you see Aroldis closing the game, you know the sale’s already in the bag.” That sentiment underscores how a single veteran’s dominance can ripple through the entire staff.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Closing Giants

The Red Sox’s journey from the “bullpen of the early 2000s” to today’s elite set a precedent for future teams. Before Papelbon, the franchise cycled through closers like Bill Campbell, Dick Drago, and Bob Stanley, none of whom left a lasting imprint. The arrival of Keith Foulke in 2004 sparked a turning point, but it was Papelbon who cemented the role of the dominant closer.

Now, with Chapman potentially rewriting the record books, the narrative comes full circle. The same hallways that once echoed with Papelbon’s celebratory chants are hearing a new anthem — one that mixes the roar of a 100‑mph fastball with the nostalgic hum of Fenway’s iconic Green Monster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How could Chapman's performance affect Papelbon's franchise records?

If Chapman finishes the season with a sub‑2.00 ERA and exceeds 105 strikeouts, he will surpass Papelbon's 2007 strikeout tally and come within striking distance of the 0.92 ERA record set in 2006. The Red Sox front office has indicated that any such achievement would be celebrated, even if it means rewriting the record books.

Why is Papelbon's endorsement significant for Red Sox fans?

Papelbon is revered as one of the most dominant closers in franchise history. His approval carries the weight of a former champion who helped shape the bullpen’s culture. Fans see his praise as a validation of Chapman’s impact, especially because Papelbon himself set the benchmark they now admire.

What does Chapman's success mean for the Red Sox's playoff chances?

A reliable closer stabilizes the ninth inning, allowing the team to play with confidence throughout the game. Chapman's low ERA and high strikeout rate have already helped Boston win six of its last eight games, positioning the club within a wild‑card spot as the season winds down.

Will the Red Sox extend Chapman's contract beyond 2025?

Sources say negotiations are ongoing, with a proposed multi‑year deal that includes bonuses tied to ERA, saves, and strikeouts. The front office wants to reward his performance while guarding against long‑term salary inflation.

How does Chapman's style compare to Papelbon's?

Both pitchers rely on intimidation, a dominant fastball, and a willingness to confront hitters head‑on. While Papelbon was famed for his cutter and pinpoint control, Chapman adds a heater that still tops 100 mph, making the combination of speed and swagger a rare blend in modern baseball.