The Red Sox's newest acquisition, Johan Oviedo, is a towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds, but his size isn't the only thing that's impressive. Before he even joined the Red Sox, Oviedo was already training with one of the team's star players, Aroldis Chapman, at his home gym. And this is where the story gets intriguing...
Oviedo and Chapman, both Cuban natives, first crossed paths when Chapman pitched for the Yankees. Their friendship blossomed during Chapman's stint with the Pirates in 2024, and this offseason, they took their workouts to the next level. Oviedo, who possesses a blazing fastball, has struggled with command, posting a high walk percentage. But he found inspiration in Chapman's remarkable 2025 season, where the veteran closer achieved the best command of his career at 37 years old.
Oviedo's determination to improve is evident: 'The walks have been the thing I have to get better at. So the main goal this year is like Chappy did last year—70-something percent of first-pitch strikes. And at 37, to have his best season ever, it's a huge inspiration.'
As Oviedo competes for the fifth spot in the Red Sox rotation, he's not just aiming to make the team; he's pushing himself to be the best version of himself. And it's not just about his physical attributes, which make him one of nine Red Sox pitchers on the 40-man roster standing 6-foot-4 or taller. Oviedo's family also boasts impressive stature, with his mother standing at 5-11 and, in his words, 'a monster of a woman.'
But here's a fun fact: Oviedo has been sporting a purple glove during his bullpens at camp, a stark contrast to his usual gear. When asked about it, he simply said, 'I love purple.'
As the Red Sox gear up for the upcoming season, Oviedo's journey from training with a teammate-to-be to becoming a key part of the team's future is a fascinating one. And it leaves us with a question: How will this unique bond between Oviedo and Chapman impact the Red Sox's success in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
