When will Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman hit the wall?
Father Time is undefeated.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 3: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches during the ninth inning of the Opening Day game against the San Diego Padres on April 3, 2026 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images Aroldis Chapman has been nearly perfect over his Red Sox tenure. He’s converted 35 of 37 save opportunities, registering a 1.
22 ERA in that span. But Father Time is undefeated, Chapman has been prone to meltdowns, and I’m generally distrustful, so I’m waiting for the wheels to fall off. Last week, against the Brewers, Chapman threw the slowest fastball of his Red Sox career at 90.
8 mph. Since 2010, he’s thrown over 10,000 fastballs, earning a reputation as the premier flamethrower in baseball. The pitch last week was so much slower than his average fastball that it might have even functioned as a changeup, inducing a game-ending double play.
Chapman has been in the league since 2010. There aren’t many players left who debuted in 2010. At 38 years old, it’s fair to see 90 mph and wonder if he’s over the hill.
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