Aroldis Chapman tossed a scoreless ninth inning in which he struck out Denzer Germán to set an All-time strikeout record for relievers and breaking Hoyt Wilhelm’s record of 1,363 K’s during Boston’s 5-2 win over the Angels. A record that the Cuban hurler achieved in only 847 innings work.
For the Cuban left-hander it was also the 384th save of his career in 436 chances. The hurler from Holguín, Cuba now sports a 2.51 career earned run average. Chapman, who was elected to the All-Star Game for the ninth time im his career is making a great case for a bust in Cooperstown.
The southpaw has also garnered 67 holds, sports a 1.08 WHIP and batters him .167 against the flamethrower. Without a doubt Aroldis Chapman is the most dominant closer of his ERA and the first pitcher in major league history to consistently throw over a 100 mph in a game.
Career highlights and awards:
- 9× All-Star (2012–2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2025, 2026)
- 2× World Series champion (2016, 2023)
- All-MLB First Team (2025)
- All-MLB Second Team (2019)
- 2× AL Reliever of the Year (2019, 2025)
MLB records:
- Most career strikeouts in MLB history as a relief pitcher (1,364)
- Fastest pitch in MLB history – 105.8 miles per hour (170.3 km/h)
- Most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout (49)