MLB spring training is about to wrap up now that Opening Day 2025 is officially one week away. The end of the exhibition slate means it won't be long before the winners of the Boston Red Sox's spring position battles will be revealed, including when it comes to the closing pitcher job.
Kenley Jansen operated as the Red Sox's primary closer in 2024, however, the veteran hurler has since joined the Los Angeles Angels in free agency. As a result, Liam Hendriks — who missed all of last season due to Tommy John surgery — and free-agent signing Aroldis Chapman have been competing for the Opening Day closer role.
Although there's still time for both players to make their case, one veteran reliever's latest comments suggest that the battle might be over.
Red Sox News: Aroldis Chapman Likely Wins Closer Role After Liam Hendriks' Comments
On Thursday, Hendriks was asked about his thoughts on the Red Sox closing pitcher job. According to MassLive's Christopher Smith, the three-time All-Star reliever didn't hide that Boston manager Alex Cora will likely go with Chapman due to the former's spring struggles.
"I think it's been pretty well proven this spring training who deserves that spot after earning it... and that's definitely not me," Hendriks admitted. "I've always said I wanted to win it, but it's not the end of the world if I don't."
"Things will shake out however they shake out, but if you want to talk about the guy who’s looked the best in spring training, that’s Chapman. It’s been unbelievable."
Liam Hendriks on the Red Sox closer job:
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) March 21, 2025
"I think it’s been pretty well proven this spring training who deserves that spot after earning it all spring and that’s definitely not me. I’ve always said I wanted to win it, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t. 1/3
It's hard to argue with Hendriks' assessment based on how veteran Red Sox relievers have performed this spring.
This spring training is Hendriks' first since 2022 after missing most of the last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery recovery. Unfortunately, he hasn't looked close to his old self thus far, allowing seven earned runs and two homers on 14 hits with only four strikeouts across 6 1/3 innings, resulting in a putrid 9.95 ERA and three saves.
Conversely, Chapman is already living up to the $10.75 million contract he signed despite it only being spring training. The two-time World Series-winning closer has kept opposing batters honest this spring, giving up only two earned runs on three hits while striking out 14 batters with two holds and a 2.45 ERA in eight appearances (7 1/3 innings).
Hopefully, Chapman's impressive spring showing motivates Hendriks to step his game up. The Red Sox bullpen will be much stronger if both experienced arms are playing to their potential, regardless of who the officially named closer is.
Chapman and Hendriks meeting Boston's expectations is also important to any potential success Cora's club might see in 2025. Speaking of which, the Red Sox will head into the remainder of spring training while being tied for the seventh-best World Series odds (+1800) on FanDuel Sportsbook.
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