With approximately three weeks in the season, Boston Red Sox 37-year-old left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman has to be considered a serious candidate to win the American League Cy Young Award.
Chapman, who is in his 16th MLB season, and first as a Red Sox, has not yet been defeated by Father Time, as he made some baseball history on September 7th at Chase Field during Boston’s 7-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The Red Sox, who dropped the first two games of their three-game series against Arizona, definitely had something to celebrate on this night as Chapman wrote another chapter in what has been a season for the ages, by not only striking out four consecutive batters to end the game but also extend his miraculous streak to now facing 50 batters, spanning 17 consecutive appearances and 14 2/3 total innings without allowing a hit.
Incredibly, the last time Chapman has even allowed a run came way back on July 23rd, when at Citizens Bank Park, in the eighth inning, Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto went long for a home run in an eventual 9-8 extra innings Sox win.
Since that time, he has made some baseball history as his current streak of not allowing a hit in 142/3 innings is the longest since 1901, third highest in major league baseball behind Tim Byrdak (18 straight hitless appearances in 2018 with New York Mets) and Randy Choate ( 20 straight hitless appearances in 2011 with the Florida Marlins).
In making a statement, after surrendering that home run back in July to Realmuto, Chapman, in his next 17 outings, struck out 21 batters while walking only four.
With about three weeks remaining in the season, Chapman, in 55.0 innings pitched, has a 4-2 record with a 0.98 ERA, along with 81 strikeouts and only 14 walks.
“To do it at this age and with where we’re at as an industry, as far as hitters and the adjustments that they make, it’s eye-opening,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said.
Red Sox Closer Aroldis Chapman Having a Career Season at Age 37
Chapman Strikes Out Four Diamondbacks in Ninth Inning
Chapman became the 98th pitcher in MLB history to successfully strike out four batters in one inning.
When this eight-time All-Star nailed down this September 7th win, he once again put his name into the MLB record books by striking out Blaze Alexander, ILdemaro Vargas, Tyler Locklear, and Jordan Lawlar.
Vargas became the first hitter since Realmuto to reach base on Chapman after he took first on a wild pitch after striking out.
Early in his career, Chapman relied on his devastating fastball, but now, as an older pitcher, he keeps hitters honest with splitters and sliders.
“It’s just something that happened,” Chapman said. “My mentality is to go get three outs and go for a strikeout.”
Chapman Signs Lucrative One-Year Contract Extension
It’s an infrequent occurrence when, at 37 years of age, a ball player enjoys a career year.
However, that’s what Chapman is having, and on September 1st, the Red Sox pitcher, affectionately known as “The Cuban Missile,” committed to Boston when they rewarded the veteran pitcher with a one-year extension for 2026 worth $13.3 million, along with an option for 2027.
“The chemistry that we have here is unique,” Chapman said. “We’re very together on and off the field. Also, the coaching staff and the medical staff and the trainers made the decision easier for me wanting to stay here.”
Back on December 10, 2024, Chapman, who was a free agent, signed a one-year $10.75 million contract with the Red Sox. It’s safe to say that the Sox or anyone in baseball, for that matter, didn’t expect him to have such a dominant season.
He is a big reason why, with less than a month remaining in the season, Boston is holding onto the second wild card spot and only 3.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East Division.
During his career, Chapman has pitched for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and as of this year, the Red Sox.
Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
