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, Chapman has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. He is a member of the 300 save club and holds the record for the most strikeouts among left-handed relief pitchers, marking him as a prominent figure in baseball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1945: Cubs' Pennant

In 2016, Chapman pitched the final innings of Game 6 securing the Cubs first pennant since 1945.

2003: Began Pitching

In 2003, Chapman transitioned to being a pitcher after showing promise in his throwing ability.

2005: Joins Holguín Sabuesos

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

2007: Relief Appearances for Holguín

In 2007, Chapman made 11 relief appearances for the Holguín Sabuesos, recording 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 was given a conditional reprieve, suspending him for part of the season but allowing him to return and play in the WBC in 2009.

2008: Holguín Sabuesos Season

In 2008, Chapman played for the Holguín Sabuesos of the Cuban National Series League.

July 1, 2009: Defection from Cuba

On July 1, 2009, Chapman successfully defected from Cuba while in Rotterdam, Netherlands, during the World Port Tournament.

2009: Return to National Series and WBC

After a conditional reprieve, Chapman was allowed to return to the National Series and play in the WBC in 2009.

2009: Defection from Cuba

In 2009, Chapman defected from Cuba.

2009: World Baseball Classic

In 2009, Chapman played for the Cuban national team at the World Baseball Classic.

January 10, 2010: Signs with Cincinnati Reds

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

August 31, 2010: MLB Debut

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

2010: Assignment to Louisville Bats

Chapman began the 2010 season assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats.

2010: Contract with the Reds

In 2010, Chapman signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds and made his MLB debut that season.

2010: Postseason Loss

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

2011: Relief Pitcher Role

In 2011, Chapman served solely as a relief pitcher, appearing in 54 regular season games with a 3.60 ERA.

2012: Potential Salary Arbitration

In 2012, Chapman had a potential additional bonus if he became eligible for salary arbitration.

2012: Closer Role

In 2012, Chapman was named the closer for the Cincinnati Reds after injuries to other pitchers.

March 2013: Reds' Closer

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

2013: Potential Salary Arbitration

In 2013, Chapman had a potential additional bonus if he became eligible for salary arbitration.

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: Trade to 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.

January 11, 2016: Named Yankees Closer

On January 11, 2016, Joe Girardi named Chapman the team's new closer.

February 12, 2016: Contract Agreement

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

May 9, 2016: Yankees Debut

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

July 25, 2016: Traded to Cubs

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

December 15, 2016: Chapman Signs with Yankees

On December 15, 2016, Aroldis Chapman signed a five-year, $86 million contract to return to the Yankees, which was the largest contract for a relief pitcher at the time.

2016: Division Series Saves

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

2016: Trade to Cubs and World Series Win

During the 2016 season, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, with whom he won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series before rejoining the Yankees after the season.

2016: NLCS Appearance

In 2016, Chapman made four appearances during the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

2016: World Series Title

In 2016, Chapman won his first World Series title with the Chicago Cubs, pitching in multiple games and earning the win in Game 7.

2017: Division Series Record Tied

In the 2017 National League Division Series, Wade Davis tied Chapman's record with three saves.

July 13, 2018: Chapman Skips All-Star Game

On July 13, 2018, Aroldis Chapman announced that he would skip the MLB All-Star Game to rest his knee due to tendonitis.

2018: Chapman Adds a Sinker

Since 2018, Chapman added a sinker that tops out at 102 miles per hour and averages over 100 mph.

2019: Chapman's 2019 Season

In 2019, Aroldis Chapman achieved a 3–2 record with 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA. He was also awarded the AL Reliever of the Month Award for both May and August, and the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award at the end of the season. However, he gave up a walk-off home run in Game 6 of the ALCS, eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs.