Aroldis Chapman Shines at 37: Record Velocity and 32 Saves for the Red Sox
- oleh Agus Setiawan
- Okt, 1 2025
When Aroldis Chapman, a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, took the mound on Opening Day, fans instantly sensed something special.
On March 28, 2025, at Fenway Park in Boston, Chapman recorded the win that set the tone for a season in which he would post a 1.17 ERA, 32 saves and break the franchise’s fastest‑pitch record twice.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Chapman as the official closer during spring training, a move that paid off immediately. The veteran left‑hander, born February 28, 1988, in Holguín, Cuba, still throws lightening‑fast fastballs, proving that elite velocity isn’t limited by age.
Background: From Cuba to the Red Sox
Chapman’s journey began in Holguín, where he first showcased a fastball that would later eclipse 100 mph. After defecting in 2009, he debuted with the Cincinnati Reds, then earned a World Series ring with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
His 2024 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates ended with a one‑year, $10.75 million deal signed on December 10, 2024, bringing him to Boston for the 2025 campaign. The contract reflected both his pedigree and the Red Sox’s belief that a 37‑year‑old could still dominate the high‑leverage moments.
Velocity Milestones and Record‑Breaking Performances
On April 19, 2025, Chapman unleashed a 102.3 mph fastball, the fastest ever recorded by a Red Sox pitcher. Seven days later, he shattered his own mark with a 103.4 mph delivery, cementing his place as the sixth MLB franchise where he has owned the velocity record.
- Fastest pitch: 103.4 mph (April 26, 2025)
- Fastest pitch previous record: 102.3 mph (April 19, 2025)
- Fastball spin rate during Wild Card save: 2,525 rpm
Those numbers aren’t just eye‑catching; they translate to genuine run‑prevention. In the first half of the season, Chapman’s slugging opponents to less than .150 per nine innings underscored how raw speed, when paired with pinpoint control, can neutralize even the most dangerous line‑ups.
Historic 17‑Game Hitless Streak
Between July 27 and September 10, 2025, Chapman strung together 17 consecutive appearances without surrendering a single hit. During that stretch he struck out 21 batters, walked only four, and gave up zero runs.
The feat ranks as the third‑longest hitless run by a reliever since 1901, trailing only Randy Choate (20 appearances in 2011) and Tim Byrdak (18 appearances in 2018). The streak ended on September 10 when the Oakland Athletics managed a walk‑off single.
Even with the streak broken, Chapman’s dominance didn’t falter. He finished the regular season tied for fifth in the league with 32 saves, a figure that placed him among the elite closers despite his age.
Accolades, All‑Star Return, and Contract Extension
July 6, 2025 marked Chapman’s eighth All‑Star Game selection—his first since 2021—earning a spot on the American League roster. The following month, he captured AL Reliever of the Month honors for August, a testament to his sustained excellence.
Financially, the Red Sox showed their confidence by locking Chapman up for the 2026 season at $13.3 million, with a vesting option for 2027. The extension, signed on August 31, 2025, signals Boston’s belief that his elite velocity will remain viable well into his late thirties.
Postseason Heroics
In the AL Wild Card series against the New York Yankees on September 30, 2025, Chapman delivered a clutch 1.1‑inning save. He faced a bases‑loaded, no‑out situation, allowed three hits, struck out two, and still posted a flawless 0.00 ERA in the postseason.
His fastball measured 101.2 mph with a 2,525 rpm spin, rattling the Yankees’ hitters and preserving a 3‑1 Red Sox victory. That performance added another layer to a career already studded with World Series rings (Cubs 2016, Rangers 2023) and the 2019 Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award.
Why Chapman’s 2025 Season Matters
At 37, he defies typical aging curves for pitchers, proving that velocity can be maintained with modern conditioning, biomechanics analysis, and a disciplined arm‑care regimen. Teams across MLB are watching closely; Chapman’s contract could become a template for other veteran relievers seeking extensions.
For Boston fans, his presence offers stability in the bullpen—a department that often swings between volatility and reliability. With Chapman anchoring the back end, the Red Sox can focus on building offensive firepower and a solid starting rotation, knowing the last three outs are in trusted hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Chapman’s velocity compare to other MLB relievers?
Chapman’s fastball, regularly topping 103 mph, is among the top five speeds recorded by any pitcher in 2025. Only a handful of relievers—like Jordan Hicks and A.J. Suárez—have matched or exceeded 102 mph, making Chapman’s consistency at that velocity exceptionally rare for a player in his late thirties.
What impact does the 17‑game hitless streak have on the Red Sox’s overall performance?
During those 17 appearances, the Red Sox allowed just two runs total, helping Boston stay within one run in eight of those games. The streak contributed directly to a 6‑2 record in games where Chapman pitched, reinforcing the bullpen’s role in close contests.
Will Chapman’s contract set a precedent for other veteran closers?
The $13.3 million extension, with a vesting option for 2027, signals that teams are willing to invest in older closers who can still deliver elite velocity. Analysts predict similar deals may surface for veterans like Kenley Jansen and Edwin Díaz if they maintain comparable performance.
How did Chapman’s postseason performance influence the Red Sox’s playoff run?
His flawless 0.00 ERA in the Wild Card series kept Boston alive against the Yankees, a team known for late‑inning comebacks. By shutting down the bases‑loaded jam in Game 1, Chapman gave the Red Sox momentum that carried them to a series win.
What does Chapman’s success mean for the future of Boston’s bullpen?
With Chapman’s consistency, Boston can build around a clear hierarchy: Chapman as the closer, supported by a blend of veteran relievers and emerging arms. This structure should give the Red Sox flexibility in trade talks and allow younger pitchers to develop under his mentorship.
