BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - On September 4, 2026, Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox achieved a notable milestone by securing his 399th career save during a tense game against the Baltimore Orioles. The victory, which ended with a score of 1-0, showcased Chapman’s ability to perform under pressure, as he completed the inning in just 11 pitches, a feat he has consistently accomplished over the past two seasons.
With this latest achievement, Chapman is on the brink of becoming the ninth pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 400 career saves. If he maintains his current trajectory and pitches for two more seasons, he could potentially ascend into the top five all-time saves leaders, currently held by Craig Kimbrel with 441 saves. The only two pitchers to surpass the 500 saves mark, Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, have achieved 652 and 601 saves, respectively, setting a high bar for future closers.
In his two seasons with the Red Sox, Chapman has recorded 32 saves each year, with only two blown saves in each season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and reliability. His impressive statistics over the 2025-2026 seasons include a 1.57 ERA, a 0.89 WHIP, and a strikeout rate of 12.2 K/9 innings, alongside a significant improvement in his walk rate, which has dropped to 2.9 BB/9 after previously walking 6 batters per nine innings in the four seasons prior.
Chapman’s performance has not only solidified his role as a key player for the Red Sox but has also ensured that his 2027 option will vest at $13 million, contingent on passing a year-end physical as he approaches his 39th birthday. As he continues to climb the ranks, he is poised to enter the top ten in career saves for the Red Sox, a franchise with a rich history of successful closers.
Among the notable names in the Red Sox’s closer history, Keith Foulke stands out with 47 saves, including three pivotal saves during the 2004 postseason, which helped the team secure a World Series title. Other prominent closers like Jonathan Papelbon, Koji Uehara, and Kimbrel have also contributed significantly to the team's success, each holding a World Series ring. Bob Stanley narrowly missed inclusion on this list, and fans often reminisce about the legendary Dick Radatz, whose impact on the game remains a topic of discussion.
As Chapman continues his journey with the Red Sox, fans and analysts alike are left to ponder his place among the franchise's all-time great closers. Should he maintain his current form or even improve in the coming seasons, he could very well rise significantly on that list. The conversation surrounding his legacy in Boston is just beginning, and supporters are eager to see how high he can climb.
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