Aroldis Chapman, a left-handed pitcher known for his blazing fastball, became one of the most electrifying closers in Major League Baseball. Born in Holguín, Cuba, Chapman defected from his home country in 2009 to pursue a career in the United States. His journey to the major leagues began when he signed a six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds in January 2010.
Chapman's debut with the Reds came in August 2010, and he quickly gained attention for his extraordinary velocity. In September of that year, he set a record by throwing a pitch clocked at 105.1 mph, the fastest ever recorded in MLB at the time. His ability to consistently throw over 100 mph made him a sensation and a valuable asset in the bullpen.
During his tenure with the Reds, Chapman transitioned from a setup role to the team's closer. By 2012, he had firmly established himself as one of the league's premier closers, recording 38 saves with a 1.51 ERA and earning his first All-Star selection. His performance continued to impress over the next few seasons, as he maintained high strikeout rates and low earned run averages.
In December 2015, Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees. However, his debut with the Yankees was delayed due to a 30-game suspension under MLB's domestic violence policy. Once he joined the team, he continued to dominate on the mound, recording 20 saves with a 2.01 ERA in 2016. Midway through the season, Chapman was traded to the Chicago Cubs, where he played a crucial role in their postseason run.
Chapman's time with the Cubs was highlighted by his performance in the 2016 World Series. He helped the Cubs secure their first championship in 108 years, although his usage in the series was heavily scrutinized. Following the World Series victory, Chapman returned to the Yankees, signing a five-year contract.
Back in New York, Chapman continued to be a reliable closer. He was named an All-Star multiple times and consistently ranked among the league leaders in saves. In 2019, he recorded 37 saves with a 2.21 ERA, earning the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award.
Despite his success, Chapman's career was not without challenges. He faced occasional struggles with control and injuries, which sometimes affected his performance. Nevertheless, his ability to overpower hitters with his fastball and slider remained a constant throughout his career.
Chapman's tenure with the Yankees continued until the end of the 2021 season.
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