Aroldis Chapman’s reputation is one that has followed him since his debut in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds. He throws his fastball hard. So hard, in fact, that he broke the record for the fastest MLB pitch ever recorded at 105.8 MPH during his rookie year. As of the 2025 season, he holds nine spots in the top 12 fastest pitches in MLB history.

“Wow. I’ve never thought about spotting my fastball before. I just threw it to home plate,” Chapman told Red Sox catcher Connor Wong in a March spring training outing after his pitch caller told him to throw an inside fastball.

Fast forward a decade and a half, and now Chapman, 37, is having the greatest season of his career. During last offseason, Chapman signed a one year, $13.3 million contract to support the lackluster bullpen the Sox maintained last season. Chapman, with the new found knowledge to try to throw his pitches to his catcher’s glove, has blown away not just Boston fans, but baseball fans in general. He sports a 0.98 ERA, 0.63 WHIP, and 81 strikeouts through 60 appearances. He also has recorded 29 saves in 31 attempts. The aforementioned walk issue has also decreased dramatically, with Chapman now earning a 2.3 BB/9, the lowest of his career.

To reward Chapman with his newfound success, the Red Sox signed him with a one year contract extension through 2026. The 37 year old expressed his desire to stay in Boston for multiple years in his post-extension interview with the press. The Red Sox and Chapman hope for a continuation of his late-career breakout during the 2025 postseason chase into the 2026 season.