years ago, relief pitchers regularly earned consideration in the mvp race, and in some seasons they even walked away with the award. names like rollie fingers, willie hernandez, and dennis eckersley proved that a dominant reliever could be just as valuable as a power-hitting slugger or a frontline starter. today, the award has shifted heavily toward everyday players and starting pitchers, but that does not mean a relief ace cannot be the most valuable presence on a roster. this season, chapman is the clearest example.
while he may not be the frontrunner for the cy young award, chapman’s impact on the boston red sox cannot be overstated. the team’s core rotation has been inconsistent, plagued by injuries, short outings, and uneven performances. without chapman waiting in the bullpen, ready to slam the door night after night, the sox would be staring at a very different record. his ability to protect slim leads, neutralize dangerous hitters, and provide stability in high-leverage innings has essentially masked the flaws of the starting staff.
an mvp, by definition, is not always the “best” or most dominant player in a vacuum; rather, it is the player whose presence most dramatically alters the fortunes of his team. by that measure, chapman rises to the top. he has been the safety net, the backbone, and the security blanket for a team that otherwise could have unraveled under the pressure of a shaky rotation.
there is historical precedent for recognizing such contributions, and it feels overdue in today’s era where relievers are often undervalued. chapman’s performance has not just been about racking up saves, but about keeping boston in contention. if the red sox finish strong, his case as a true mvp candidate should not be ig
nored.
