Yesterday, Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman recorded his 400th career save in a 3-1 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Chapman, 38, becomes the 9th pitcher to record 400 or more saves. Among active pitchers, Chapman ranks 3rd in saves behind only Craig Kimbrel of the Kansas City Royals (441) and Kenley Jansen of the Detroit Tigers (493).
It might be quite a while before another reliever records 400th save. Among active relievers after Chapman, Atlanta Braves closer Raisel Iglesias has 284 saves followed by Edwin Diaz of the Los Angeles Dodgers with 260 and Josh Hader of the Houston Astros with 250. No other active reliever has more than 200 saves.
Since joining the Red Sox last year, the Cuban born southpaw has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance. In 67 appearances in 2025, Chapman recorded 32 saves with a 1.17 ERA striking out 85 batters in 61.1 innings pitched. Those numbers were enough to earn him some votes for the AL Cy Young. In 2026, Chapman has recorded 33 saves with a 2.03 ERA with 65 strikeouts over 48.2 innings pitched in 50 appearances.
With 17 games left on the schedule, Chapman has an outside chance of recording a career high in saves. In 2012 and 2013, while with the Cincinnati Reds, Chapman earned 38 saves. It would be remarkable if Chapman could eclipse that total and perhaps even have a 40 save season for the first time in his 17-year MLB career.
Of course, I'm sure Chapman would prefer a third World Series ring having earned one with the Chicago Cubs in 2016 and one with the Texas Rangers in 2023 as trade deadline addition in both cases. I'm sure earning a World Series ring with a club he has been with the entire season would take on a whole different meaning.
There is a mutual option between Chapman and the Red Sox for the 2027 season. That is assuming there is a 2027 season.
Whatever the future holds, Chapman has a very good case for Cooperstown.
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