The Boston Red Sox’s flame-throwing closer, Aroldis Chapman, is having one of the finest campaigns of his storied career. The timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
As the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) gears up to recognize elite bullpen arms with a brand-new award in 2026, Chapman’s dominance this season really highlights why the honor is overdue. With stats among the league’s best and a résumé already packed with milestones, Chapman isn’t just chasing another playoff run—he might be setting himself up to snag one of the first trophies from this historic new accolade.
A New Era of Recognition for Relief Pitchers
For the first time since 1983—when Manager of the Year came along—the BBWAA is adding a fresh category: the Relief Pitcher of the Year Award for both the American League and National League. Debuting in 2026, this marks a big moment for bullpen specialists who usually play critical but under-acknowledged roles.
The Inspiration Behind the Award
The push for a dedicated relief pitcher award really started with a surprising omission: Mariano Rivera, widely seen as the greatest closer ever, never won a BBWAA award. That fact stuck with Hall of Fame baseball writer Jayson Stark, who argued dominant relievers deserve more than the occasional Cy Young nod.
Let’s be honest: no reliever has won the Cy Young since Eric Gagné back in 2002. That’s over two decades—kind of wild, right?
Chapman’s Stellar 2025 Season
If the new award existed today, Chapman would be right in the mix. His 2025 performance is just brilliant: a 1.08 ERA over 55 appearances, plus 24 saves, puts him in the upper echelon of American League closers.
That save total ties him for fifth in the league. His ERA? Almost absurdly low for a full season.
A Veteran in Elite Form
Now in his mid-30s, Chapman signed a one-year, $10.75 million deal with Boston last December. Some folks wondered if his best years were gone, but the Cuban fireballer has pretty much silenced the doubters with precision pitching and triple-digit heat.
He’s sitting at 359 career saves—13th all-time. Chapman’s not just having a strong season; he’s cementing his place among the most accomplished closers in MLB history.
Looking Ahead: What the Award Could Mean for Chapman
Chapman’s contract status adds a twist. He’ll hit free agency after the 2025 season, so his pursuit of the inaugural Relief Pitcher of the Year award could come in the uniform of another team.
With his track record and current form, you have to imagine several contenders will be eager to add him to their bullpen.
Past Near-Misses with BBWAA Honors
Even with his career-long dominance, Chapman’s closest brushes with BBWAA accolades came in 2012, when he finished eighth in Cy Young voting and 12th in MVP voting. His lack of awards doesn’t reflect his performance; it’s more about the historical bias toward starting pitchers.
The new honor could finally fix that for players like him.
Why the BBWAA’s Move Matters
The addition of the Relief Pitcher of the Year award is more than symbolic. Modern baseball puts huge strategic value on bullpen specialists.
In an era where high-leverage innings can decide everything, closers like Chapman aren’t just finishing games—they’re shaping them entirely.
What Fans Can Expect in 2026
The BBWAA’s new platform will finally give elite relievers their own spotlight. Players won’t have to outshine starting pitchers just to get noticed.
Fans get another annual debate. Maybe there’s even another awards show, this time celebrating the art of shutting down games late.
Chapman’s 2025 season has been something to watch. He’s showing everyone why this new award actually matters.
Whether he wins it as a Red Sox or lands somewhere else, his performance this year stands out for all the right reasons. It’s not just about him—it’s about every dominant closer before him, and the future relief aces waiting their turn.
Here is the source article for this story: Will Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman Win New Award For Relievers?
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