What Happened to Aroldis Chapman?
Aroldis Chapman, nicknamed "the Cuban Missile" for his record-setting fastball velocity, is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher. He has had a decorated MLB career spanning multiple teams, winning two World Series championships and earning numerous individual accolades, including the 2025 American League Reliever of the Year award. As of April 2026, he continues to pitch for the Boston Red Sox, maintaining his elite status as one of baseball's most dominant closers.
Quick Answer
Aroldis Chapman is currently a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, having signed a contract extension through the 2026 season with a vesting option for 2027. He had a stellar 2025 season, earning his eighth All-Star selection, winning the American League Reliever of the Year award, and being named to the All-MLB First Team. As of April 3, 2026, Chapman recorded his 369th career save, moving him past Jonathan Papelbon for 11th place on the all-time saves list.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Defects from Cuba
Aroldis Chapman defects from Cuba, paving the way for his Major League Baseball career.
Signs with Cincinnati Reds
Chapman signs a six-year, $30.25 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB Debut with Cincinnati Reds
Aroldis Chapman makes his Major League Baseball debut with the Cincinnati Reds.
Throws Fastest Pitch in MLB History
Chapman throws a pitch clocked at 105.1 mph, later revised to 105.8 mph by Statcast, setting the MLB record for the fastest recorded pitch.
Wins First World Series with Chicago Cubs
After being traded to the Chicago Cubs mid-season, Chapman closes out Game 7 to help the Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years.
Named AL Reliever of the Year
Chapman is named the American League Reliever of the Year for his outstanding performance with the New York Yankees.
Records 300th Career Save
Chapman records his 300th career save in a game against the Oakland Athletics while pitching for the New York Yankees.
Wins Second World Series with Texas Rangers
After being traded to the Texas Rangers, Chapman helps the team win the 2023 World Series, earning his second championship ring.
Signs with Pittsburgh Pirates
Chapman signs a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates for the 2024 season.
Most Strikeouts by Left-Handed Reliever
Chapman records his 1,197th career strikeout, surpassing Billy Wagner for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever in MLB history.
AL Reliever of the Year & All-MLB First Team
Chapman has a resurgent season with the Boston Red Sox, earning his eighth All-Star selection, winning the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award, and being named to the All-MLB First Team.
Signs Red Sox Contract Extension
Chapman and the Boston Red Sox agree to a one-year, $13.3 million contract extension for the 2026 season, including a vesting option for 2027.
Earns Save on Opening Day for Red Sox
Chapman earns his first save of the 2026 season on Opening Day for the Boston Red Sox against the Cincinnati Reds.
Surpasses Papelbon on All-Time Saves List
Chapman records his 369th career save, moving past Jonathan Papelbon for 11th place on MLB's all-time saves list.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Aroldis Chapman's journey to Major League Baseball began with his defection from Cuba in 2009. He subsequently signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, quickly establishing himself as a formidable left-handed flamethrower. His rookie season saw him record a pitch at 105.1 mph, which was later revised to 105.8 mph, setting the record for the fastest pitch in MLB history. Chapman spent six seasons with the Reds, earning four consecutive National League All-Star selections from 2012 to 2015.
His career took a significant turn in 2016 when he was traded to the New York Yankees and then to the Chicago Cubs, where he played a pivotal role in the Cubs' historic 2016 World Series championship, ending their 108-year drought. Following this, he rejoined the Yankees, continuing his dominance and earning three more All-Star nods and the American League Reliever of the Year award in 2019. After six seasons in his second stint with the Yankees, Chapman became a free agent.
The latter part of his career has seen him move between several teams, including the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers in 2023, where he secured his second World Series ring with the Rangers. In 2024, he pitched for the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he surpassed Billy Wagner for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever. Chapman's ability to maintain elite velocity and effectiveness well into his late 30s is a testament to his unique physical gifts and dedication.
Chapman signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2025, experiencing a remarkable resurgence. He posted a career-low 1.17 ERA, converted 32 saves, and was named the American League Reliever of the Year and selected to the All-MLB First Team. His exceptional performance led to a one-year, $13.3 million contract extension for the 2026 season with a vesting option for 2027, contingent on pitching 40 or more innings. As of April 4, 2026, Chapman remains the Red Sox's closer, having already secured multiple saves in the young season and continuing to climb the all-time saves list.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Aroldis Chapman made different choices?