Star pitcher Aroldis Chapman notched his 374th career save with the Boston Red Sox on Monday, bringing him within striking distance of the top 10 all-time saves in Major League Baseball, as reported by journalist Francys Romero.
The 10th spot on this prestigious list is currently held by Joe Nathan, with 377 saves. "The Missile" is poised to surpass this milestone if he continues the dominant performance he has showcased in recent months.
Since July 2025, the Holguin-born closer has successfully converted 22 save opportunities without a single failure, establishing a perfect streak that cements his status as one of baseball's most reliable closers.
Chapman's Impressive 2026 Season
In the 2026 season, his stats are equally impressive: a 0.77 ERA, 11.2 innings pitched, 14 strikeouts, and a flawless 7-for-7 in save opportunities.
Chapman's ascent toward the top 10 gained momentum in 2025, when he recorded 32 saves with a 1.15 ERA and held opposing batters to a .130 average, marking his ninth season with 30 or more saves.
That season was hailed as one of the most dominant of his career, ending with 350 career saves and securing his place as the Cuban pitcher with the most saves in MLB history.
Red Sox's Confidence in Chapman
In 2026, the Red Sox extended their commitment to Chapman with a $13.3 million contract extension, which includes a mutual option for 2027, demonstrating the organization's trust in the 38-year-old pitcher.
Chapman's 2026 achievements go beyond saves. On April 26, he surpassed Rich "Goose" Gossage to become the second reliever with the most strikeouts in MLB history, amassing 1,341 career strikeouts, trailing only Hoyt Wilhelm (1,363).
Earlier this season, he also overtook Jonathan Papelbon on the all-time saves list during Opening Day, and on Monday, he was front and center in a Cuban showdown in the Major Leagues that once again spotlighted his name.
The all-time saves leaderboard is topped by Mariano Rivera (652), followed by Trevor Hoffman (601), Kenley Jansen (482), Lee Smith (478), Craig Kimbrel (440), Francisco Rodríguez (437), John Franco (424), Billy Wagner (422), and Dennis Eckersley (390), with Nathan rounding out the top 10.
Chapman's ultimate goal is to reach 400 saves, a milestone that would firmly establish him among the top nine closers in baseball history.
Frequently Asked Questions about Aroldis Chapman's MLB Saves
How many saves does Aroldis Chapman need to enter the top 10 all-time in MLB?
Aroldis Chapman needs four more saves to surpass Joe Nathan's 377 saves and enter the top 10 all-time saves list in MLB.
What are Aroldis Chapman's stats for the 2026 season?
In the 2026 season, Chapman has a 0.77 ERA, has pitched 11.2 innings, struck out 14 batters, and is perfect in save opportunities with a 7-for-7 record.
Who leads the all-time MLB saves leaderboard?
The all-time MLB saves leaderboard is led by Mariano Rivera with 652 saves.