Aroldis Chapman's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Aroldis Chapman. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Aroldis Chapman, nicknamed "the Cuban Missile," is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher currently playing for the Boston Red Sox. He previously played for several MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and Chicago Cubs. Chapman is known for his exceptionally high fastball velocity and is a member of the 300 save club. He holds the record for the most strikeouts by a left-handed relief pitcher in MLB history.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

September 24, 2010: Fastest Pitch Recorded in MLB

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

2010: Fastball Averaged 100.3 mph

In 2010, Chapman's fastball averaged 100.3 miles per hour.

September 24, 2011: Revised Fastest Pitch

In 2017, when MLB changed from the PITCHf/x to Statcast measurements, a pitch Chapman threw to Tony Gwynn Jr. on September 24, 2011, was revised up to 105.8 mph and is now considered the fastest pitch thrown.

2011: Fastball Averaged 98.6 mph

In 2011, Chapman's fastball averaged 98.6 miles per hour.

July 1, 2012: First All-Star Game Selection

On July 1, 2012, Aroldis Chapman was named to his first All-Star Game.

July 2012: Delivery Man of the Month Award

In July 2012, Aroldis Chapman won the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award, recognizing him as the best relief pitcher.

2012: Improved Control

In 2012, Chapman walked 23 batters over 71+2⁄3 innings, showcasing improved control compared to the previous season when he issued 41 walks in 50 innings.

August 21, 2013: Strikeout Streak Begins

On August 21, 2013, Aroldis Chapman's record-setting streak of consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout began.

July 11, 2014: Consecutive Relief Appearance Strikeout Record

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

July 29, 2014: 100th Career Save

On July 29, 2014, Aroldis Chapman recorded his 100th career save against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

August 13, 2014: End of Strikeout Streak

On August 13, 2014, Aroldis Chapman's streak of 49 consecutive games with at least one strikeout ended.

September 23, 2014: Fastest to 100 Strikeouts in a Season

On September 23, 2014, Aroldis Chapman recorded his 100th strikeout in his 51st inning pitched, becoming the fastest pitcher to reach that milestone.

2015: Fastest Pitches of the Season

In 2015, Statcast revealed that Chapman threw the 62 fastest pitches of the season, topping out at 103.92 miles per hour.

July 19, 2016: Matched Fastest Pitch Record

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

2016: NLDS Saves Record

During the 2016 National League Division Series (NLDS) against the San Francisco Giants, Aroldis Chapman tied and set new Division Series records with three saves in four opportunities.

2016: Trade to the Cubs and World Series Win

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

2016: 2016 World Series Performance

In the 2016 World Series, Aroldis Chapman played a crucial role for the Chicago Cubs. He pitched in multiple games, including Game 5 where he pitched through the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings to preserve the Cubs' lead. In Game 7, he blew a save but ultimately became the winning pitcher as the Cubs secured their first World Series title in a long time.

2017: Davis Ties NLDS Saves Record

In the 2017 National League Division Series, Wade Davis tied Chapman's 2016 NLDS saves record, but with only three opportunities.

2019: 2019 Season Achievements

In 2019, Aroldis Chapman had a successful season, recording 37 saves, a 2.21 ERA, and 85 strikeouts. He received the AL Reliever of the Month Award for both May and August, and the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award. He also gave up a walk-off home run to Jose Altuve in Game 6 of the ALCS.

2019: AL Reliever of the Year Award

In 2019, while playing for the New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman was named the AL Reliever of the Year.

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.

2021: Named to All-Star Game

On July 6, 2025, Chapman was named to his eighth All-Star Game, and his first since 2021.

June 30, 2023: Traded to Texas Rangers

On June 30, 2023, the Royals traded Chapman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Cole Ragans and Roni Cabrera. He later won his second World Series ring.

2023: World Series Championship with the Rangers

In 2023, Aroldis Chapman won the World Series with the Texas Rangers, marking his second championship.

June 29, 2024: Passed Wagner for Most Strikeouts

On June 29, 2024, Chapman recorded his 1,197th career strikeout to pass Billy Wagner for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever.

2024: Walk Percentage

As of the end of the 2024 season, Chapman has walked 12.6 percent of batters faced in his career.

2024: High Whiff and Strikeout Rates

As of the end of the 2024 season, Chapman's fastball and slider have high whiff rates (33% and 58% respectively), leading to swinging strikes on 16.4% of pitches and a 40% strikeout rate against batters faced.

2024: Fastball Average Speed and Max Speed

In 2024, Chapman's fastball averaged 98.7 miles per hour, while topping out at 105.1 miles per hour according to Statcast.

April 19, 2025: Fastest pitch for Red Sox Pitcher

On April 19, 2025, Chapman threw the fastest pitch recorded for a Red Sox pitcher with 102.3 miles per hour. He broke his own record seven days later, throwing a pitch recorded at 103.4 mph.