Aroldis Chapman, nicknamed "the Cuban Missile" or "the Cuban Flame Thrower", is a Cuban-American relief pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB). He is currently with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but has also played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers. Chapman also played for Holguín in the Cuban National Series. He is known for his left-handed pitching.
1945: Previous Cubs Pennant Win
This date signifies the last time the Chicago Cubs won a pennant before their 2016 victory.
February 28, 1988: Birth of Aroldis Chapman
Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz was born on February 28, 1988. He is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher.
2003: Chapman Begins Pitching
Aroldis Chapman started his journey as a pitcher in 2003 after his coach recognized his strong throwing abilities.
2005: Chapman Joins the Holguín Sabuesos
Aroldis Chapman joined the Holguín Sabuesos of the Cuban National Series League in 2005.
2007: Chapman Participates in the Pan American Games
Aroldis Chapman represented Cuba in the 2007 Pan American Games.
2007: Chapman Makes 11 Relief Appearances for the Sabuesos
During the 2007 season, Aroldis Chapman took on a relief pitching role for the Holguín Sabuesos, making 11 appearances and recording 7 saves.
2008: Chapman Compiles a Strong Season with the Sabuesos
In 2008, Aroldis Chapman had a strong season with the Holguín Sabuesos, recording an 11–4 record with a 4.03 ERA and 130 strikeouts.
2008: Chapman's Failed Defection Attempt
In 2008, Aroldis Chapman's first attempt to defect from Cuba failed, leading to a suspension from the National Series for the rest of the season and being left off the national team for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
July 1, 2009: Chapman Successfully Defects from Cuba
On July 1, 2009, Aroldis Chapman successfully defected from Cuba while in Rotterdam, Netherlands, during the World Port Tournament.
2009: Chapman Allowed to Return to the National Series and WBC
After a failed defection attempt in 2008, Aroldis Chapman was allowed to return to the National Series and the World Baseball Classic in 2009.
2009: Chapman Defects from Cuba
Aroldis Chapman defected from Cuba in 2009 to pursue a career in Major League Baseball.
2009: Chapman Participates in the World Baseball Classic
Aroldis Chapman represented Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic.
January 10, 2010: Chapman Signs Six-Year Contract with the Reds
Aroldis Chapman signed a six-year, $30.25 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds on January 10, 2010.
August 31, 2010: Chapman's MLB Debut
Aroldis Chapman made his MLB debut on August 31, 2010, against the Milwaukee Brewers, retiring the side in nine pitches.
September 24, 2010: Chapman Throws Fastest Recorded Pitch in MLB History
On September 24, 2010, Aroldis Chapman threw the fastest recorded pitch in MLB history, clocking in at 105.1 mph against Tony Gwynn Jr.
2010: Fastball Speed in 2010
In 2010, Aroldis Chapman's fastball averaged 100.3 miles per hour (161.4 km/h), showcasing his exceptional pitching speed early in his career.
2010: Chapman Makes Professional Debut with Louisville Bats
In 2010, Aroldis Chapman started his professional journey with the Triple-A Louisville Bats, making his debut on April 11 in Toledo.
2010: Chapman Signs with the Cincinnati Reds and Makes MLB Debut
Aroldis Chapman signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, marking the beginning of his MLB career. He made his debut in the same year.
2010: Chapman Experiences First Postseason Loss
Aroldis Chapman experienced his first postseason loss in Game 2 of the 2010 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.
2011: Chapman Pitches Solely as a Relief Pitcher
During the 2011 season, Aroldis Chapman took on the role of a relief pitcher, appearing in 54 games and finishing the season with a 3.60 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 50 innings.
2011: Home Run Allowed to Luke Scott
This date represents the last time before 2017 that Aroldis Chapman surrendered a home run to a left-handed batter, which was hit by Luke Scott of the Baltimore Orioles.
May 2012: Legal Allegations in May 2012
In May 2012, Aroldis Chapman faced a lawsuit alleging that he served as 'an informant for Cuban state authorities' after a failed defection attempt. This was a controversial moment in his life.
July 1, 2012: Chapman Named to First All-Star Game
On July 1, 2012, Aroldis Chapman was selected to participate in his first All-Star Game.
July 2012: Chapman Wins Second MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award
Aroldis Chapman was named MLB Delivery Man of the Month in July 2012, recording 13 saves, no runs allowed in 14.1 innings, and 31 strikeouts.
July 2012: Chapman Wins MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award
In July 2012, Aroldis Chapman won the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award for his outstanding performance as a relief pitcher.
August 2012: High Whiff Rates and Strikeouts
By August 2012, Aroldis Chapman had extraordinarily high whiff rates for his fastball and slider, and a career strikeouts per nine innings rate of 14.66, second all-time to Craig Kimbrel.
2012: Potential Arbitration Bonus for Chapman
Aroldis Chapman's contract included a bonus if he became eligible for salary arbitration in 2012 or 2013.
2012: Chapman Moves to Setup Role then Closer Role
Initially slated as a starter for the 2012 season, Aroldis Chapman was moved to the setup role and eventually the closer role due to injuries in the Reds bullpen.
March 2013: Chapman Becomes Closer for the Reds
In March 2013, Aroldis Chapman was officially named the closer for the Cincinnati Reds.
August 21, 2013: Chapman Begins Consecutive Strikeout Streak
Aroldis Chapman's streak of 40 consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout began on August 21, 2013.
2013: Potential Arbitration Bonus for Chapman
Aroldis Chapman's contract included a bonus if he became eligible for salary arbitration in 2012 or 2013.
March 19, 2014: Injured by Line Drive
On March 19, 2014, during a spring training game against the Kansas City Royals, Aroldis Chapman was hit in the head by a line drive from Salvador Pérez. The game was stopped, and Chapman underwent surgery for a skull fracture, requiring a metal plate to stabilize the fracture.
July 11, 2014: Chapman Breaks Consecutive Strikeout Record
On July 11, 2014, Aroldis Chapman broke Bruce Sutter's record for the most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout, striking out at least one batter in 40 consecutive appearances.
July 29, 2014: 100th Save
On July 29, 2014, Aroldis Chapman achieved his 100th save against the Arizona Diamondbacks, becoming the eighth-fastest pitcher to reach this milestone.
August 13, 2014: Chapman's Consecutive Strikeout Streak Ends
Aroldis Chapman's streak of 40 consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout ended on August 13, 2014, after 49 games.
September 23, 2014: 100th Strikeout
Aroldis Chapman reached his 100th strikeout in his 51st inning on September 23, 2014, becoming the fastest pitcher in history to achieve this milestone.
February 13, 2015: Contract Agreement with the Reds
On February 13, 2015, Chapman agreed to a one-year, $8.05 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
October 30, 2015: Domestic Violence Incident
On October 30, 2015, Aroldis Chapman was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident with his girlfriend. No charges were filed, but MLB suspended him for 30 games for his actions.
December 28, 2015: Traded to the New York Yankees
Aroldis Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees on December 28, 2015, in exchange for four minor league players.
2015: Reds Trade Chapman to the Yankees
In 2015, the Cincinnati Reds traded Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees.
January 11, 2016: Named Yankees Closer
On January 11, 2016, Yankees manager Joe Girardi named Aroldis Chapman as the team's new closer.
February 12, 2016: Contract Agreement with the Yankees
On February 12, 2016, Chapman agreed to a one-year, $11.325 million contract with the New York Yankees, avoiding arbitration.
April 2016: American Citizenship
In April 2016, Aroldis Chapman became an American citizen, marking a significant personal milestone in his life.
May 9, 2016: First Appearance for the Yankees
Following a 30-game suspension, Aroldis Chapman made his first appearance for the Yankees on May 9, 2016, striking out two batters and allowing one run in a 6-3 win against the Kansas City Royals.
July 25, 2016: Traded to the Chicago Cubs
On July 25, 2016, Aroldis Chapman was traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, Adam Warren, and Rashad Crawford.
December 15, 2016: Returns to the Yankees
On December 15, 2016, Aroldis Chapman signed a five-year, $86 million contract to return to the New York Yankees. This deal marked the largest contract awarded to a relief pitcher up until that point.
2016: Yankees Trade Chapman to the Cubs; Chapman Wins World Series
In 2016, The New York Yankees traded Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs. With the Cubs, Chapman won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series.
2016: Record-Setting Saves in NLDS
During the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, Aroldis Chapman tied and set new Division Series records with three saves in four opportunities.
2016: World Series Performance
Aroldis Chapman's workload intensified in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs faced elimination against the Cleveland Indians. Trailing 3-1 in the series, Chapman pitched three scoreless innings in Game 5, preserving the Cubs' 3-2 win. He pitched two more innings in Game 6, contributing to a 9-3 victory. In Game 7, he blew a save opportunity in the eighth but eventually became the winning pitcher after the Cubs secured the game-winning run in extra innings, earning Chapman his first World Series title.
2016: NLCS Performance
Aroldis Chapman made four appearances during the 2016 National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He blew a save in the first game but earned the win after the Cubs rallied. In Game 6, he pitched the final 1+2⁄3 innings to help secure the Cubs' first pennant since 1945.
May 14, 2017: Placed on Disabled List
Aroldis Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list on May 14, 2017, due to rotator cuff inflammation in his left shoulder. Though MRIs showed no structural damage, he was expected to miss at least two weeks.
2017: Record Tied by Wade Davis
In the 2017 National League Division Series, Wade Davis tied Chapman's record for saves, accomplishing this in just three opportunities.
2017: Record Contract
This year marked the time when Chapman's contract was considered the largest for a relief pitcher.
2017: Fastest Pitched Home Run and Home Runs Allowed to Left-handers
In 2017, Aroldis Chapman surrendered a home run to Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox off a 103 mph pitch, the fastest pitch ever hit for a home run in the Statcast era. It was also Chapman's first home run allowed to a left-hander since 2011. Later that year, he gave up another home run to a left-hander, Yonder Alonso of the Seattle Mariners, off a 101 mph fastball.
July 13, 2018: Skips All-Star Game Due to Injury
Although elected to the 2018 MLB All-Star Game, Aroldis Chapman announced on July 13, 2018, that he would skip the game to rest his knee, which was suffering from tendinitis.
2019: Reliever of the Year and Playoff Performance
In 2019, Aroldis Chapman achieved a 3-2 record with 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA, striking out 85 batters in 57 innings over 60 relief appearances. He was named the AL Reliever of the Month for May and August, and at season's end, received the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award. In the playoffs, he recorded one save in both the ALDS and ALCS but surrendered a walk-off home run to José Altuve in Game 6 of the ALCS, ending the Yankees' season.
July 11, 2020: Chapman Tests Positive for COVID-19
On July 11, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that Aroldis Chapman had tested positive for the virus. This marked a significant health challenge for the player during the season.
August 26, 2021: 300th Career Save
On August 26, 2021, Aroldis Chapman recorded his 300th career save, closing out a 7–6 victory against the Oakland Athletics. This was a notable milestone in his career.
May 2022: Injury and Loss of Closer Role
In May 2022, Aroldis Chapman went on the injured list due to achilles tendinitis and subsequently lost his closer role to Clay Holmes. This was a significant setback in his career.
January 27, 2023: Signed with Kansas City Royals
On January 27, 2023, Aroldis Chapman signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals. This marked a new chapter in his professional baseball career.
June 30, 2023: Traded to Texas Rangers
On June 30, 2023, the Kansas City Royals traded Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Cole Ragans and Roni Cabrera. Later that year, he won the World Series with the Rangers.
January 31, 2024: Signed with Pittsburgh Pirates
On January 31, 2024, Aroldis Chapman signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This added another team to his career journey.