Aroldis Chapman who is considered the best Cuban closer of all time will play his 16th season in the Major Leagues this year. At 37 years old he will be with his seventh different team, fourth since he signed with Kansas City in 2023. His new challenge will be with the Boston Red Sox, with whom he reached an agreement for $10.75 million, after a good year with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chapman is the left-handed reliever with the most strikeouts (1,246) in MLB history after surpassing HOF Willy Wagner’s 1,196 in 2024.
“I’m really happy for wearing this new jersey, the Red Sox are a great organization, it’s a secret to no one. All baseball fans know what the Red Sox, Yankees, and Dodgers mean, they are great teams, so I am happy and proud to be wearing this team’s uniform,” the native of Holguín recently commented in an interview with our colleague Alfre Álvarez for Martí Noticias. Chapman ranks fourth all-time in strikeouts, behind only right-handers Craig Kimbrel (1,265), HOFer Rich Gossagge (1,340) and HOFer Hoyt Wilhelm (1,363).
Chapman holds the Guinness Record for the fastest pitch in baseball, after throwing 105.8 MPH on September 24, 2010 during his time with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2024 he once again again exceeded 105.0 MPH (105.1) with a pitch. With 335 saves he places himself in 16th place in MLB history and has thrown a 100.0 MPH pitch for 15 consecutive seasons. He previously played with the Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Kansas City, Texas and Pittsburgh.
“His new number in Boston (#44) does not have a specific meaning as such, I have used 54 most of my career, but Lucas Giolito has it here. I have also used #45, but everyone knows that that is Pedro Martínez’s number and he is retired from the organization. When they gave me the options of the available numbers, I was with my trainer, he recommended 44 and I took him up on the recommendation,” added the Cuban missile.
The flamethrowing southpaw won the World Series in 2016 with the Cubs and seven years later with the Texas Rangers. Chapman has also participated in seven All-Star Games (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019 and 2021). In 760.0 innings pitched he sports an ERA of 2.63, opponents hit him just .168 and he averages more than 14 strikeouts per nine innings (14.76).
«I am very happy that (Billy) Wagner has entered the Hall of Fame, happy that after so many years fighting to be there he managed to enter Cooperstown. My legacy? I just want to set the example when for the young players when I retire. I want to be an example of work, dedication and discipline, which is what a player needs in this business,” Chapman commented in an interview that you can enjoy on the Martí Noticias Facebook page.