Career Timeline of Aroldis Chapman: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Aroldis Chapman made an impact.

Aroldis Chapman, nicknamed "the Cuban Missile," is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox. Known for his exceptionally high fastball velocity, he has played for several MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. Chapman is a member of the 300 save club and holds the distinction of being the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed relievers.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2003: Switch to Pitcher

In 2003, Chapman began his career as a pitcher after being a first baseman.

2005: Joins Holguín Sabuesos

In 2005, Chapman joined the Holguín Sabuesos of the Cuban National Series League.

2007: Relief Appearances

During the 2007 season, Chapman made 11 relief appearances, compiling 7 saves.

2007: Pan American Games

In 2007, Chapman was part of the Cuban national team at the Pan American Games.

2008: Failed Defection Attempt and Reprieve

After a failed defection attempt in the spring of 2008, Chapman met with Cuban president Raúl Castro and received a conditional reprieve, which included a suspension from the National Series season and exclusion from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

2008: Season Stats

For the 2008-09 season, he compiled a 11-4 record with a 4.03 ERA, 130 strikeouts, and 118 1⁄3 innings pitched.

July 1, 2009: Defection from Cuba

On July 1, 2009, Chapman successfully defected from Cuba while in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the Cuban national team was participating in the World Port Tournament.

2009: Defection from Cuba

In 2009, Chapman defected from Cuba.

2009: World Baseball Classic

In 2009, Chapman was part of the Cuban national team at the World Baseball Classic.

2009: Allowed to Play in WBC

In 2009, despite his suspension, Chapman was allowed to play in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

January 10, 2010: Signs with Cincinnati Reds

On January 10, 2010, Chapman signed a six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds for $30.25 million.

August 31, 2010: MLB Debut

On August 31, 2010, Chapman made his Major League debut against the Milwaukee Brewers, with his first pitch clocked at 98 mph.

September 24, 2010: Fastest Pitch Record

On September 24, 2010, Chapman threw the fastest pitch recognized by MLB at 105.1 mph against Tony Gwynn Jr.

2010: Contract with Reds

In 2010, Chapman signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds, marking a significant step in his MLB career.

2010: Minor League Debut

In 2010, Chapman was assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats and made his professional debut.

2010: First Postseason Loss

In 2010, during Game 2 of the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Chapman experienced his first career postseason loss.

April 18, 2011: Conflicting Reports on Pitch Speed

On April 18, 2011, Chapman threw a pitch to Andrew McCutchen that was clocked differently by the scoreboard, Fox Sports Ohio, and the PITCHf/x system, leading to widespread discussion.

September 24, 2011: Fastest pitch thrown

On September 24, 2011, a pitch Chapman threw to Tony Gwynn Jr. was revised up to 105.8 mph and is now considered the fastest pitch thrown.

2011: Relief Pitcher Role

In 2011, Chapman served solely as a relief pitcher, appearing in 54 regular season games.

July 1, 2012: First All-Star Game

On July 1, 2012, Chapman was named to his first All-Star Game, marking a significant achievement in his career.

July 2012: MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award

In July 2012, Chapman was awarded the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award, recognizing his performance as the best relief pitcher.

2012: Closer Role

In 2012, Chapman was initially slated to be a starter, but injuries led him to take on the closer role.

2012: Salary Arbitration Eligibility Bonus

In 2012, there was an additional bonus due to Chapman becoming eligible for salary arbitration, as stipulated in his contract.

March 2013: Named Closer

In March 2013, it was announced that Chapman would be the closer for the Cincinnati Reds.

August 21, 2013: Strikeout Streak Start

On August 21, 2013, Chapman began a 49-game strikeout streak.

2013: Salary Arbitration Eligibility Bonus

In 2013, there was an additional bonus due to Chapman becoming eligible for salary arbitration, as stipulated in his contract.

July 11, 2014: Strikeout Record

On July 11, 2014, Chapman broke Bruce Sutter's record for consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout.

July 29, 2014: 100th Career Save

On July 29, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th save against the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the eighth-fastest pitcher to reach the milestone.

August 13, 2014: Strikeout Streak End

On August 13, 2014, Chapman's 49-game strikeout streak ended.

September 23, 2014: Fastest to 100 Strikeouts

On September 23, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th strikeout in his 51st inning pitched of the season, making him the fastest pitcher ever to reach that milestone.

February 13, 2015: Contract Agreement

On February 13, 2015, Chapman and the Reds agreed to a one-year, $8.05 million contract.

December 28, 2015: Traded to the Yankees

On December 28, 2015, Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees.

2015: Trade to Yankees

After the 2015 season, the Reds traded Chapman to the New York Yankees, changing teams.

January 11, 2016: Named Yankees' Closer

On January 11, 2016, Joe Girardi named Chapman the New York Yankees' new closer.

February 12, 2016: Avoids Arbitration

On February 12, 2016, Chapman avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $11.325 million with the Yankees.

May 9, 2016: Yankees Debut

On May 9, 2016, Chapman made his first appearance for the Yankees after a suspension, striking out two and allowing a run in a 6-3 win against the Kansas City Royals.

July 19, 2016: Matched Previous Record Pitch Speed

On July 19, 2016, Chapman matched his previous record of 105.1 mph with a ball to Baltimore's J.J. Hardy.

July 25, 2016: Traded to the Chicago Cubs

On July 25, 2016, the New York Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs.

December 15, 2016: Signed with the Yankees

On December 15, 2016, Aroldis Chapman signed a five-year, $86 million contract to return to the New York Yankees.

2016: Trade to Cubs and World Series Win

During the 2016 season, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, where he won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.

2016: National League Championship Series

In 2016, Chapman made four appearances during the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing the Cubs' first pennant since 1945.

2016: National League Division Series Saves

In 2016, Chapman made three saves in four opportunities in the National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants.

2016: World Series Victory

In 2016, Chapman's workload escalated in the World Series, and he ultimately became the winning pitcher in Game 7, securing his first World Series title with the Cubs.