Red Sox closer on contract extension: ‘I wanted to stay here’

There are a lot of good reasons why it might have made sense for Aroldis Chapman to enter free agency this winter. The eight-time All-Star is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career and in all likelihood would have been highly sought after by clubs across the sport.

Yet when given the opportunity he happily engaged the Red Sox in extension talks, ultimately agreeing to a one-year, $13.3 million extension that could potentially keep him in Boston through 2027 as well.

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Why? That’s simple, he said.

“I wanted to stay here,” Chapman said via interpreter Carlos Villoria Benítez.

Speaking to reporters after his new extension became official, Chapman spoke reverently about his time in Boston. He praised his teammates, the club’s coaching staff, trainers and everyone el