Aroldis Chapman sets all-time strikeout record to become MLB’s all-time strikeout king among relievers
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman added another historic milestone to an already remarkable career Friday night, becoming Major League Baseball’s all-time strikeout leader among relief pitchers.
The 38-year-old left-hander struck out Los Angeles Angels third baseman Denzer Guzman in the ninth inning for the 1,364th strikeout of his career, surpassing Hall of Fame reliever Hoyt Wilhelm, whose record of 1,363 strikeouts had stood for more than five decades.
Chapman completed the inning by inducing a game-ending double play, earning his 17th save of the season as Boston defeated the Angels 5-2 at Angel Stadium.
“It’s official: no relief pitcher in Major League Baseball history has more strikeouts than Aroldis Chapman,” the milestone marked one of the defining achievements of a career built on overpowering hitters with elite velocity and late-inning dominance.
A Career Defined by Power: Since making his major league debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 after defecting from Cuba, Chapman has become one of baseball’s most intimidating relief pitchers. During his prime, he routinely threw fastballs exceeding 100 mph, including a 105.8 mph pitch in 2010 that remains one of the fastest ever recorded in the pitch-tracking era.
Although his velocity has naturally declined with age, Chapman continues to overpower hitters. The record-setting strikeout came on a 98.6 mph fastball—still far too quick for Guzman to catch up with.
“I feel very happy, very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Chapman said through an interpreter after the game. “I was just focused on doing the job day in and day out.”
Renaissance in Boston: Chapman’s record comes during one of the finest stretches of his 17-year career.
After signing with Boston before the 2025 season, the veteran closer reinvented himself by improving his command, reducing his walk rate, and reshaping his offseason training. The resurgence earned him American League Reliever of the Year honors in 2025 after posting a microscopic 1.17 ERA.
This season, Chapman has continued to excel with a 2.10 ERA, 17 saves, and 33 strikeouts in 27 appearances. His consistency has helped stabilize Boston’s bullpen while reminding fans why he has long been considered one of the game’s elite closers.
Interim Red Sox manager Chad Tracy praised both the accomplishment and Chapman’s longevity.
“We’ve been waiting for that one,” Tracy said. “Watching the video, you’re seeing him at a young age throwing 102, and he’s still doing it. It’s just incredible.”
Climbing Baseball’s All-Time Lists: The strikeout record is only the latest milestone for Chapman.
His save Friday was the 384th of his career, placing him 10th on MLB’s all-time saves list and within striking distance of Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley’s 390 saves.
Chapman has earned eight All-Star selections, captured World Series championships with the 2016 Chicago Cubs and the 2023 Texas Rangers, and has now established himself atop one of baseball’s most prestigious relief pitching records.
Among the career strikeout leaders for relievers:
- Aroldis Chapman – 1,364
- Hoyt Wilhelm – 1,363
- Goose Gossage – 1,340
- Kenley Jansen – 1,285
- Craig Kimbrel – 1,285
As the Red Sox continue their postseason push and the trade deadline approaches, Chapman remains one of baseball’s most valuable late-inning arms. Regardless of what comes next, his place in baseball history is now secure as the most prolific strikeout reliever the game has ever seen.
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(Sources: MLB, The New York Times, ESPN, Yahoo! Sports)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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