LAS VEGAS — Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman’s dominant season was recognized on Thursday, when he was named the winner of the Mariano Rivera Award as the top reliever in the American League at the MLB Awards Show.
Chapman previously won the award in 2019 as a member of the Yankees. The lefthander expressed gratitude for the honor.
“It means a lot,” Chapman said through translator Carlos Villoria Benítez. “It’s been a long time since I won it. … Those are the accomplishments at the end of the year that you get for working hard.”
The 37-year-old had one of the best seasons – possibly the best – of his decorated 16-year career in 2025. After signing a one-year deal with the Sox last winter, he forged a 1.17 ERA in 67 appearances while converting 32 of 34 save opportunities. He now has 367 career saves – 12th most all time – as well as the highest strikeout rate (40 percent) and lowest batting average against (.167) of any pitcher with 700 innings in big league history. He takes pride in his historic place within a role defined by closing out victories.
“It matters. Of course it matters,” said Chapman, who signed a one-year, $13.3 million extension in September to return to the Sox in 2026. “To help the team win, to be able to close games, that obviously matters and obviously I’m happy with the career that I have so far. When I retire, I want to look back and be more happy than I am right now.”
Alex Speier can be reached at alex.speier@globe.com. Follow him @alexspeier.