Aroldis Chapman reached a remarkable milestone this Sunday, equaling one of the longest-standing records in professional baseball. With 1,363 career strikeouts as a reliever, he matched the all-time record that Hoyt Wilhelm had held since his retirement in 1972, as reported by journalist Francys Romero on social media.
The Cuban closer for the Boston Red Sox, famously known as "The Missile," achieved this historic feat at the age of 38 during an outstanding 2026 season, boasting an ERA of just 0.48 over 24.2 innings pitched.
Chapman's Path to the Record
Chapman's journey to this achievement was a gradual progression over the past two years. By August 2024, he had amassed 1,227 strikeouts; by June 2025, he had reached 1,288; and on April 26, 2026, he surpassed Rich "Goose" Gossage—who had 1,340 strikeouts—to become the second-highest strikeout reliever in MLB history.
Wilhelm, born in 1923 and passing away in 2002, pitched between 1952 and 1972. Known for his mastery of the knuckleball, he was inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1985 as the first reliever and held onto his strikeout record for over fifty years.
A Storied Career
Born in Holguín in 1988, Chapman defected from the Cuban national team in 2009 and signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010. Since then, he has played for the Yankees, Cubs, Royals, and Rangers before joining Boston. He secured a contract extension worth $13.3 million with a mutual option for 2027.
In addition to the strikeout record, Chapman continues to achieve milestones this season. He has recorded 374 or more career saves, positioning himself on the cusp of the all-time top 10 in that category. His declared goal is to reach 400 saves, which would place him among the top nine closers in history.
More Than Just Strikeouts
Chapman is also recognized as the fastest pitcher in baseball history, holding a Guinness World Record for a 105.8 mph pitch clocked on September 24, 2010. Furthermore, he became the left-handed reliever with the most strikeouts in MLB history, surpassing Billy Wagner in July 2024.
With the record tied, Chapman needs just one additional strikeout to become the sole leader in strikeouts by a reliever in the history of Major League Baseball—a record that would solidify his unprecedented career among bullpen pitchers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Aroldis Chapman's Record
Who previously held the record for most strikeouts by a reliever in MLB?
Hoyt Wilhelm held the record with 1,363 strikeouts until Aroldis Chapman matched it in 2026.
What is Aroldis Chapman's fastest recorded pitch?
Aroldis Chapman's fastest recorded pitch is 105.8 mph, which is a Guinness World Record.
How many teams has Aroldis Chapman played for in MLB?
Aroldis Chapman has played for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Boston Red Sox.