Aroldis Chapman, the Cuban closer for the Boston Red Sox, etched his name into baseball history books this past Sunday by achieving his 400th career save in Major League Baseball. This milestone makes him the ninth reliever to reach this feat since the save became an official MLB statistic in 1969.
The achievement, reported by journalist Francys Romero, was secured in classic "El Misil" style: a 101.0 MPH strikeout pitch that encapsulates the career of one of the fastest pitchers in baseball history.
Chapman joins an exclusive group of just nine relievers who have surpassed this benchmark since the save was officially recognized. Among this elite circle, four have already been enshrined in the Cooperstown Hall of Fame: Mariano Rivera (652 SV), Trevor Hoffman (601 SV), Lee Smith (478 SV), and Billy Wagner (422 SV).
A Milestone Season for the Holguín Native
The 2026 season has been a historic one for the Holguín-born pitcher. Just two months ago, on July 3rd, Chapman broke the all-time strikeout record for a reliever in MLB, surpassing Hoyt Wilhelm—a record that had stood for over 50 years—by notching his 1,364th strikeout as a reliever in the ninth inning against the Angels, striking out Denzer Guzman.
Chapman’s climb up the all-time saves list this year has been swift. He began the season with 368 saves, tied for 11th all-time with Jonathan Papelbon. By May, he had reached 374, and on July 25th, he surpassed Dennis Eckersley to claim the ninth spot with his 391st save. On September 4th, he reached 399, and this Sunday, he completed the milestone.
Elite Performance Throughout the Season
Throughout the campaign, the left-hander has maintained elite numbers: a 1.81 ERA, with 58 strikeouts and 20 walks over 44.2 innings pitched at the time of his 30th save of the season, which was logged on August 24th against the Marlins.
Originally from Holguín, Chapman defected in 2009 during a tournament in Rotterdam and was signed by the Cincinnati Reds, making his MLB debut in 2010. Since then, he has donned the jerseys of the Yankees, Cubs, Royals, and Pirates before arriving in Boston, where the Red Sox placed their faith in his longevity by extending his contract in September 2025. That decision has proven more than justified.
Chapman also secured a lucrative option for the 2027 season by reaching the necessary activation threshold, ensuring at least one more year of high-level baseball for the Cuban closer.
With a career ERA of 2.52 in over 863 appearances as a reliever, Chapman not only amasses historic figures but does so at a velocity unmatched by any other active pitcher. The question buzzing in baseball circles now is not if, but when, "El Misil" will end up in Cooperstown alongside the four fellow list members who already have their plaques in the Hall of Fame.
Understanding Aroldis Chapman's Legacy in MLB
What makes Aroldis Chapman's 400 saves milestone significant?
Aroldis Chapman's 400 saves milestone is significant because it places him among an exclusive group of just nine relievers in MLB history to achieve this since the save became an official statistic in 1969, highlighting his longevity and dominance as a closer.
How has Chapman performed during the 2026 season?
During the 2026 season, Chapman has delivered elite performance with a 1.81 ERA, 58 strikeouts, and 20 walks across 44.2 innings, showcasing his continued prowess as a top-tier closer.
What is Aroldis Chapman's career strikeout record as a reliever?
Aroldis Chapman holds the record for the most strikeouts by a reliever in MLB history, having surpassed Hoyt Wilhelm's long-standing record with 1,364 strikeouts as a reliever.