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Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz (Spanish: [aˈɾoldis ˈtʃaβman]; born February 28, 1988) is a Cuban-born American professional baseball relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, and Pittsburgh Pirates and in the Cuban National Series for Holguín. Chapman bats and throws left-handed, and is nicknamed "the Cuban Missile", due to his high fastball velocity. A member of the 300 save club, Chapman is the all-time leader in strikeouts for left-handed relievers.[1]

Key Information

Chapman pitched for Holguín domestically and internationally for the Cuba national baseball team. He defected from Cuba in 2009 and signed a contract with the Reds in 2010. Chapman made his MLB debut that season. He won the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award as the best relief pitcher for July 2012, was named to four straight National League All-Star teams from 2012 to 2015. The Reds traded Chapman to the Yankees after the 2015 season, and the Yankees traded Chapman to the Cubs during the 2016 season. With the Cubs, Chapman won Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. He rejoined the Yankees after the 2016 season. He was named an All-Star three times with the Yankees and was named the AL Reliever of the Year in 2019. Following six seasons with New York, Chapman signed a one-year deal with the Royals before being traded to the Rangers at the trade deadline, winning the 2023 World Series with the team for his second championship. Chapman played a year with the Pirates in 2024 and signed with the Red Sox in 2025, where he was named to his eighth All-Star Game.

On July 11, 2014, Chapman broke the record, previously held by Bruce Sutter, for the most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout, having struck out at least one batter in 40 consecutive appearances. Chapman's streak began on August 21, 2013,[2] and lasted 49 consecutive games over two seasons, with the 49th and final game being on August 13, 2014. Chapman currently has the record for the fastest recorded pitch speed in MLB history, at 105.8 miles per hour (170.3 km/h),[3] as well as the Guinness World Record for fastest baseball pitch.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz was born on February 28, 1988, in Holguín, Cuba. He lived in a three-room house with his parents and two sisters. Chapman's father was a boxing trainer and then later worked for the city. His mother did not work outside the home. Chapman's paternal grandparents had emigrated from Jamaica to Cuba in order to get a better education. The Chapmans, whose last name can be traced to English settlers in Jamaica in the late 1600s, were not a prominent family.[5]

A friend of Chapman invited him to join a local baseball team at the age of 15. He began playing as a first baseman until the coach noticed that Chapman could throw well enough to become a pitcher, which Chapman began in 2003.[5]

Professional career

[edit]

Cuban career

[edit]

Chapman joined the Holguín Sabuesos of the Cuban National Series League for the 2005–06 season and played through the 2008–09 season.[6] In 3272⁄3 career innings, Chapman compiled a 24–19 win–loss record, a 3.74 earned run average (ERA), and 365 strikeouts. For the 2008–09 season, he compiled a 11–4 record with a 4.03 ERA, 130 strikeouts, and 1181⁄3 innings pitched. He was used mainly as a starting pitcher during his time with the Sabuesos, although he made 11 relief appearances in the 2007 season, where he compiled 7 saves.[7]

Defection and American career

[edit]

After a failed attempt to defect in the spring of 2008, Chapman reported to Havana to meet with Cuban president Raúl Castro who gave him a conditional reprieve, suspending him for the remainder of the National Series season and also keeping him off Cuba's national team for the 2008 Summer Olympics but allowing him to return to the National Series and play in the WBC in 2009.[8]

Chapman successfully defected from Cuba while in Rotterdam, Netherlands where the Cuban national team was participating in the World Port Tournament on July 1, 2009; Chapman walked out the front door of the team hotel and entered into an automobile driven by an acquaintance.[8][9] Gerardo Concepción defected from the Cuban national team in the same tournament.[10] Chapman eventually established residency in Andorra[11] and petitioned MLB to be granted free agent status.[12]

Minor leagues

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Chapman pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 spring training

On January 10, 2010, Chapman signed a six-year contract with the Cincinnati Reds worth $30.25 million.[13] The Associated Press reported that the signing bonus totals $10.25 million, paid annually over 11 years, with an additional bonus if he became eligible for salary arbitration in 2012 or 2013.[14]

Chapman began the 2010 season assigned to the Triple-A Louisville Bats,[15] and made his professional debut with the Louisville Bats on Sunday, April 11, in Toledo against the Mud Hens, where he pitched 4+2⁄3 innings, giving up one unearned run, while striking out nine.[16] Chapman made 13 starts with Louisville, pitching to a 4.11 ERA, and pitched to a 2.40 ERA after the team used him as a relief pitcher.[5]

Cincinnati Reds (2010–2015)

[edit]

2010 season

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Chapman made his Major League debut August 31, 2010, in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers; his first pitch was clocked at 98 mph (158 km/h) as a called strike (which was promptly tossed to the dugout by catcher Ryan Hanigan, to be saved). In nine pitches he retired the side.[17][18] He recorded his first Major League win on September 1 after pitching an inning of relief against the Brewers.[19] Chapman threw the fastest pitch recognized by MLB on September 24, 2010, at Petco Park in San Diego, California. It was clocked at 105.1 mph to Tony Gwynn Jr. in the eighth inning.[3]

In Game 2 of the 2010 NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies, Chapman allowed three unearned runs due to miscues of the outfielders.[20] He got his first career postseason loss and the Reds lost the division series to the Phillies in a three-game sweep.[21]

2011 season

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Chapman pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 2011

Chapman served solely as a relief pitcher in 2011, appearing in 54 regular season games and finishing the season with a 3.60 ERA. He also struck out 71 batters in just 50 innings of work that season.[22]

2012 season

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Chapman was due to be introduced as a starter for the 2012 season, but preseason injuries to closer Ryan Madson and middle relievers Bill Bray and Nick Masset led manager Dusty Baker to put Chapman in the setup role.[23] Interim closer Sean Marshall struggled early in the season, and Chapman was given the closer role in late May.[24]

On July 1, 2012, Chapman was named to his first All-Star Game.[25] Chapman won the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award for July 2012, in which he recorded 13 saves while not allowing a run in 14+1⁄3 innings while striking out 31 batters—more than 60% of the batters he faced.[26][27] It was the third month of the season in which he did not allow a single run. He was named the August Delivery Man of the Month.[28] Chapman finished the 2012 season with a 1.51 ERA and 38 saves in 43 chances, recording 122 strikeouts and 23 walks in 71+2⁄3 innings.[29]

2013 season

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In March 2013, it was announced that Chapman would be the closer for the Cincinnati Reds.[30] He was an All-Star selection for the second season in a row.[31] He finished the 2013 year with 38 saves, a 4–5 record, 112 strikeouts, and a 2.54 ERA.[32]

2014 season

[edit]

During a spring training game against the Kansas City Royals on March 19, 2014, Chapman was struck in the head by a line drive from Salvador Pérez.[33] The spring-training game between the Reds and the Royals was ended at that point with Kansas City leading 8–3. Chapman underwent surgery to fix a skull fracture above his left eye. A metal plate was inserted into his head to stabilize the fracture.

Chapman began the 2014 season on the 15-day disabled list.[34] He was activated from the disabled list on May 10.[35] Chapman recorded his 100th save against the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 29, 2014, becoming the eighth-fastest pitcher to reach the milestone.[36] In the 20-pitch appearance, Chapman threw 15 fastballs, all of which were above 100 mph.[37] On September 23, 2014, Chapman recorded his 100th strikeout in his 51st inning pitched of the season, making him the fastest pitcher ever to reach that milestone.[38] In 54 appearances, Chapman produced 106 strikeouts with 36 saves going 0–3 with an ERA of 2.00.

2015 season

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Chapman and the Reds agreed to a one-year, $8.05 million contract on February 13, 2015.[39] Chapman was selected to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. He pitched a scoreless ninth inning and struck out the side on 14 pitches, 12 of which were recorded at 100 mph or greater.[40] His fastest pitch in 2015 was 103.9 mph, best in MLB.[41] His four-seam fastball had the highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2015, at 100.0 mph.[41] In the 2015 season, Chapman made 65 relief appearances with a 4–4 record, a 1.63 ERA, and 33 saves.

New York Yankees (2016)

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Chapman with the Yankees in 2016

On December 28, 2015, Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees. Cincinnati received four minor league players including right-handed pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis, and infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda in the exchange.[42] On January 11, 2016, manager Joe Girardi named Chapman the team's new closer.[43] He avoided arbitration on February 12, 2016, by agreeing to a one-year contract worth $11.325 million.[44]

MLB suspended Chapman for the first 30 games of the season due to an off-season personal conduct policy violation related to domestic violence.[45] He made his first appearance for the Yankees on May 9, 2016, striking out two and allowing a run as the Yankees won 6–3 over the Kansas City Royals. On July 18 against the Orioles, Chapman threw for 105 miles per hour (169 km/h) twice in the top of the ninth inning, averaging 103.2 miles per hour (166.1 km/h) with his fastball.[46]

The triumvirate of Betances, Chapman, and Miller became known by fans as "No Runs–D.M.C.", owing to the relievers' dominance of opposing hitters.[47]

Chicago Cubs (2016)

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Chapman with the Chicago Cubs in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series

On July 25, 2016, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs for Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, Adam Warren, and Rashad Crawford. In an interview with ESPN, Chapman stated he was thrilled that the Cubs went after him, especially considering the recent success of Héctor Rondón. Chapman made his first appearance as a member of the Cubs on July 27, pitching a 1–2–3 ninth and striking out two batters in a non-save situation.[48] His fastest pitch in 2016 was 105.1 miles an hour, best in MLB.[41] His four-seam fastball had the highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2016, at 100.9 mph, and his two-seam fastball had the third-highest average speed, at 100.4 mph.[41]

Chapman made three saves in four opportunities in the 2016 National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants to tie and set new Division Series records respectively; Wade Davis tied his record in the 2017 National League Division Series, but Davis did it with only three opportunities.

Chapman delivers a pitch during Game 6 of the 2016 World Series

Chapman made four appearances during the 2016 National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chapman blew a save opportunity during the first game of the NLCS, but the Cubs rallied back and Chapman remained in the game to earn the win.[49] He pitched the final 1+2⁄3 innings of Game 6 to secure the Cubs' first pennant since 1945.[50]

Chapman's workload in the 2016 World Series escalated with the Cubs facing elimination at the hands of the Cleveland Indians. Down 3–1 in the series, Chapman pitched through the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings of Game 5, allowing only one hit and preserving the Cubs' 3–2 lead.[51] He was called upon again in the seventh and eighth innings of Game 6, where he allowed one hit and one run en route to a 9–3 victory. Chapman appeared the next day to close out Game 7 with a 6–3 lead in the bottom of the eighth inning, but blew the save opportunity, allowing Cleveland to tie the game on a two-run homer by Rajai Davis. Chapman pitched through the bottom of the ninth to send the game into extra innings. The Cubs tallied the game-winning run in the 10th inning, making Chapman the winning pitcher and giving him his first World Series title.[52]

Second stint with New York Yankees (2017–2022)

[edit]

On December 15, 2016, Chapman signed a five-year, $86 million contract to return to the Yankees.[53] This was the largest contract given to a relief pitcher until it was surpassed by Edwin Díaz in 2022.[54]

2017 season

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On May 14, 2017, Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to rotator cuff inflammation in his left shoulder. Although MRIs revealed no structure damage, Chapman was ruled out for at least two weeks.[55] On June 18, the Yankees activated Chapman from the DL and he pitched that afternoon against the Oakland A's.

On August 13, Chapman gave up a home run to Rafael Devers of the Boston Red Sox. The pitch was clocked at 103 mph, making it the fastest pitch hit for a home run in the Statcast era (breaking Kurt Suzuki's home run off of a Chapman 102 mph pitch the previous year). It was also Chapman's first home run given up to a left-handed batter since Luke Scott of the Baltimore Orioles did so in 2011. Later that month, Chapman gave up only his third home run off a left-hander when Yonder Alonso of the Seattle Mariners hit one of his 101 mph fastballs out.[56] His fastest pitch of 2017 was 104.3 miles an hour, best in MLB.[41] His four-seam fastball had the highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2017, at 99.7 mph.[41]

2018 season

[edit]
Chapman with the Yankees in 2018

In 2018 Chapman was elected as an MLB All-Star, representing the American League. On July 13, 2018, he announced that he would skip the All Star Game to rest his knee due to tendinitis. On August 22, Chapman was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to left knee tendinitis.[57] His fastest pitch of 2018 was 104.4 miles an hour, second-best in MLB only to pitches by Jordan Hicks.[41] His sinker had the highest average speed of any MLB pitcher's pitches in 2018, at 100.9 mph.[41] In 2018, he had the lowest swing rate for his in-strike-zone sliders of any pitcher in baseball (42.5%).[58]

2019 season

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Chapman at the 2019 All-Star Game

In 2019, he was 3–2 with 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA, as in 60 relief appearances he struck out 85 batters in 57.0 innings (13.4 per nine innings).[59] He received the AL Reliever of the Month Award for both May and August.[60] He received the Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award at the end of the season.[61] Chapman logged one save in the American League Division Series and one in the American League Championship Series but gave up a walk-off home run to Jose Altuve with two outs in the ninth inning of Game 6 of the ALCS, eliminating the Yankees from the playoffs.[62]

2020 season

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On July 11, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that Chapman had tested positive for the virus. Manager Aaron Boone announced that he was cleared to return to the team on July 31.[63] Chapman pitched in his first major league game of 2020 on August 17.[64] On September 2, Chapman received a three-game suspension for throwing a pitch at the head of Tampa Bay Rays batter Mike Brosseau.[65] Brosseau later hit a game-winning home run off Chapman in Game 5 of the ALDS, effectively ending the Yankees season. His 100.5 mph-average sinker was the fastest sinker of any major league pitcher for the 2020 season.[66] During the regular season, Chapman recorded a 3.09 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 11+2⁄3 innings.[67]

2021 season

[edit]

On August 26, 2021, Chapman recorded his 300th career save, closing out a 7–6 victory against the Oakland Athletics.[68] On September 30, Chapman recorded his 1,000th strikeout during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays. He struck out George Springer in the bottom of the ninth inning, eventually winning the game 6–2.[69] Chapman finished the 2021 season with 30 saves and a 3.36 ERA. He recorded 97 strikeouts and 38 walks in 56+1⁄3 innings.

2022 season

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Chapman went on the injured list in May 2022 due to achilles tendinitis[70] and lost the closer role to Clay Holmes.[71] He went on the injured list again in August due to an infection that developed when he got a tattoo.[72] Chapman missed a mandatory workout before the 2022 American League Division Series and was left off the team's postseason roster.[73]

Kansas City Royals (2023)

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Chapman with the Royals in 2023

On January 27, 2023, Chapman signed a one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals.[74] He went 4–2 with 2.45 ERA in 31 appearances with the Royals in 2023.

Texas Rangers (2023)

[edit]

On June 30, 2023, the Royals traded Chapman to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Cole Ragans and Roni Cabrera.[75] He went 2–3 with 4 saves and a 3.72 ERA in 30 regular season appearances, and went on to pitch six innings with a 2.75 ERA across the 2023 postseason, ultimately winning his second World Series ring.[76]

Pittsburgh Pirates (2024)

[edit]
Chapman pitching for the Pirates in 2024

On January 31, 2024, Chapman signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. On June 29, 2024, Chapman recorded his 1,197th career strikeout to pass Billy Wagner for the most strikeouts by a left-handed reliever.[77]

Boston Red Sox (2025–present)

[edit]

2025 season

[edit]

On December 10, 2024, Chapman signed a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.[78]

Chapman came into spring training in a battle with Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten for the Red Sox closer role.[79] After spring training, Red Sox manager Alex Cora announced Chapman as the closer to start the season.[80] Chapman started off strong, getting the win in his Red Sox debut on Opening Day, and consistently getting saves. On April 19, 2025, Chapman threw the fastest pitch recorded for a Red Sox pitcher with 102.3 miles per hour, only to break his own record seven days later, throwing a pitch recorded at 103.4 mph.[81] The Red Sox were the sixth team in which Chapman broke the franchise's record for fastest pitch. On July 2, he earned the 350th save of his career against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of a doubleheader.[82] Four days later, on July 6, Chapman was named to his eighth All-Star Game, and his first since 2021.[83]

On August 31, 2025, Chapman and the Red Sox agreed to a contract extension for the 2026 season worth $13.3 million, including a vesting option for the 2027 season.[84]

Between July 27 to September 10, Chapman held a historic hitless streak. During that time, in 17 appearances, he struck out 21 batters and only walked four, giving up no hits or runs. The 17 appearances without giving up a hit was the third-longest such streak in the MLB since 1901, trailing only the Marlins' Randy Choate in 2011 (20 appearances), and the New York Mets' Tim Byrdak (18 appearance in 2018). Both Chapman's hitless and scoreless streak ended after he got walked off by the Athletics on September 10.[85]

Chapman finished the regular season with a 5–3 record, 32 saves, and 1.17 ERA, which was the best of his career. His 32 saves were also the most since the 2019 season. He also only surrendered eight earned runs in 67 total appearances, which was the lowest total of a full season in his career. His outstanding year helped the Red Sox to their first playoff appearance since 2021, where they faced his former team, the New York Yankees in the Wild Card Series. In Game 1 of the series, Chapman came into the ninth inning with a 3–1 lead, and subsequently loaded the bases on the first three batters, giving the Yankees a prime opportunity at a comeback. However, Chapman rebounded by then getting three straight outs, and earned his first postseason save since 2020. Unfortunately, the Red Sox lost the next two games, ending their and Chapman's season.

In mid-November, Chapman was named the AL Reliever of the Year for the second time, his first win having come in 2019 as a member of the Yankees.[86]

International career

[edit]

Chapman was part of the Cuban national team at the 2007 Pan American Games, the 2007 Baseball World Cup and the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

In December 2025, it was reported that Chapman was on the preliminary roster of the Great Britain national baseball team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. He was eligible to play for Great Britain by virtue of his paternal grandparents, who lived in Jamaica when it was a British colony.[87]

Pitching style

[edit]

Repertoire

[edit]
Chapman pitching for the Reds in 2010

With a three-quarters delivery, Chapman throws four pitches: a four-seam fastball averaging 99–100 miles per hour (159–161 km/h), a slider averaging 87–88 miles per hour (140–142 km/h), a splitter,[88] and a change-up.[89][90] Since 2018, he also added a sinker that tops out at 102 miles per hour (164 km/h) and averages over 100 mph.[41][66] His fastball averaged 100.3 miles per hour (161.4 km/h) in 2010, but that declined to 98.6 miles per hour (158.7 km/h) in 2011 and 97.8 miles per hour (157.4 km/h) through August 2012.[90] This more modest speed might have been part of an attempt to better control his fastball.[91] By 2015, Chapman's fastball averaged 99.98 miles per hour (160.90 km/h). That same year, Statcast revealed that Chapman threw the 62 fastest pitches of the season, topping out at 103.92 miles per hour (167.24 km/h).[92] In 2024, Chapman's fastball averaged 98.7 miles per hour (158.8 km/h), while topping out at 105.1 miles per hour (169.1 km/h) according to Statcast.[93][94]

The scoreboard of Yankee Stadium "on fire" as Aroldis Chapman comes onto the field from the bullpen to close a game.

Chapman's fastball and slider both have extraordinarily high whiff rates: 33% for the fastball and 58% for the slider. As a result, Chapman has induced swinging strikes on 16.4 percent of pitches.[95] He has struck out 40 percent of batters faced, third most among pitchers who have thrown 400 innings as of the end of the 2024 season.[96]

Due to the high velocity of pitches that Chapman throws, before he comes in, the Yankees played a video on the scoreboards showing Chapman's name on fire, and fiery looking videos of him, as high velocity pitches are commonly called "heat."

Early on in his career, scouts worried about his control issues and lack of a solid third pitch, noting that these issues could affect his ability to be a Major League starter,[97] but Chapman's control seemed to improve.[98] After issuing 41 walks in 50 innings the previous season, Chapman walked 23 batters in 2012 over 71+2⁄3 innings.[99] He has walked 12.6 percent of batters faced in his career as of the end of the 2024 season.[95]

Speed records

[edit]

On September 24, 2010, against the San Diego Padres, Chapman was clocked at 105.1 mph (169.1 km/h), according to PITCHf/x, the fastest pitch ever recorded in Major League Baseball.[100] On July 19, 2016, Chapman matched his previous record of 105.1 mph with a ball to Baltimore's J. J. Hardy.[101] In 2017, when MLB changed from the PITCHf/x to Statcast measurements, a pitch Chapman threw to Tony Gwynn Jr. on September 24, 2011, was revised up to 105.8 mph (170.3 km/h) and is now considered the fastest pitch thrown.[102][103][104]

On April 18, 2011, Chapman threw a pitch to Pittsburgh's Andrew McCutchen that the scoreboard at Great American Ball Park clocked at 106 mph (171 km/h), but the box on Fox Sports Ohio's broadcast listed it at 105.1 mph (169.1 km/h) and the PITCHf/x system calculated a release speed of 102.4 mph (164.8 km/h). The disparity between these speeds has been widely discussed and questioned.[105]

Mechanics

[edit]

Sports Illustrated writer Joe Posnanski wrote of Chapman, "There is no violence at all in his motion; he's like the anti-Bob Gibson in that way. Just a slow beginning, a fluid motion, and BLAMMO the ball just fires out like the Batmobile rolling out of the cave."[106] A technical analysis reveals the following:

  1. Chapman breaks his hands late, so the arm as a whole gets involved late;
  2. He shifts his weight before he breaks his hands;
  3. Chapman gets low and creates tremendous leg drive;
  4. At landing, he quickly braces his front leg and hip;
  5. He also powerfully flexes his trunk forward over his landing knee.[107]

One scout noted that although "[t]here are no obvious flaws in Chapman's delivery ... Chapman has to coordinate a lot of moving parts," which may limit his consistency. Chapman's extreme pitch speed may also pose an injury risk to his pitching arm over time.[108]

Chapman's long and complicated delivery is significantly taxing on his body. He almost never pitches more than one inning per appearance, which is a major reason for him being used as a formidable closer.

Personal life

[edit]

When Chapman left Cuba, he left behind his father, mother, two sisters,[8] girlfriend, and a newborn child.[109] He reunited with them when he helped them transfer to the United States; the details of how they transferred remain confidential.[110] In 2014, Chapman's son was born in Cincinnati. In May 2012, Chapman was sued for allegedly serving as "an informant for Cuban state authorities after a failed defection attempt and help[ing] turn in another man in order to get back on the country's national baseball team."[111]

On December 7, 2015, news broke that Chapman was involved in an alleged domestic violence incident with his girlfriend in Davie, Florida, at his home on October 30, 2015.[112] A pending trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers was put on hold as MLB announced it would investigate the incident as part of its personal conduct policy.[113] In the incident, he was accused of pushing his girlfriend, putting his hands around her neck, and choking her, and subsequently firing eight gunshots.[114] No charges were filed by the police due to inconsistency of the reports and insufficient evidence, and his attorney issued a statement denying the allegations.[115] The trade to the Dodgers was canceled and the Reds traded Chapman to the New York Yankees three weeks later. Although he was not charged, MLB suspended Chapman for 30 games as a result of his "use of a firearm and the impact of that behavior on his partner," ending May 9, 2016.[114] He was the first player disciplined by the new personal conduct policy enacted in August 2015, where MLB could suspend a player without a conviction.[116]

Chapman became a United States citizen in April 2016.[117] He is Catholic.[118]

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Aroldis Chapman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Albertin Aroldis Chapman (born February 28, 1988), nicknamed "The Cuban Missile," is a Cuban-born professional baseball relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB). Renowned for his exceptional fastball velocity, Chapman holds the MLB record for the fastest pitched ball in a game at 105.1 miles per hour, achieved in 2010. After defecting from Cuba in 2009 during an international tournament in the Netherlands, he signed a six-year, $30.25 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, marking one of the largest deals for a defector at the time. Chapman's MLB career, spanning teams including the Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, and Red Sox, has featured 350 career saves as of 2025, multiple All-Star selections, and a pivotal role in the Cubs' 2016 World Series championship, where he recorded the final outs in Games 6 and 7 of the National League Championship Series. In his first season with the Red Sox in 2025, at age 37, he achieved a career-best performance, leading left-handed relievers in strikeouts and maintaining a 46-batter hitless streak. His pitching arsenal, dominated by a four-seam fastball averaging over 100 mph and complemented by a slider, has made him a dominant late-inning presence despite occasional command issues. Chapman's tenure has not been without controversy; in October 2015, he was involved in a domestic incident in which he allegedly pushed and choked his girlfriend before firing eight gunshots into the ground near her location, leading to a 30-game suspension in 2016—the first issued under MLB's joint domestic violence policy—though no criminal charges were filed. Chapman has publicly apologized for his "bad judgment" in handling the firearm but maintained he did not physically harm his girlfriend. This event, investigated by Florida authorities and MLB, highlighted ongoing scrutiny of player conduct amid Chapman's high-profile status.

Early Life and Cuban Background

Childhood and Upbringing in Cuba

Aroldis Chapman, born Albertín Aroldis Chapman de la Cruz on February 28, 1988, in Holguín, Cuba, grew up in the rural town of Cayo Mambí within Holguín Province. He resided in a modest three-room house shared with his parents and two sisters, reflecting the constrained living conditions typical of rural Cuban families during that era. Chapman's paternal grandparents had immigrated from Jamaica to Cuba, contributing to his mixed heritage. In his early years, Chapman engaged in boxing, trained by his father, who worked as a boxing instructor before later taking up construction. The family's home included steel bars on the bedroom windows, a measure against local neighborhood risks that Chapman later recalled as a formative aspect of his childhood security. These elements underscored the challenges of upbringing in a resource-scarce environment, where basic protections were prioritized amid broader economic hardships in provincial Cuba. Chapman discovered baseball around age 15, initially playing as a first baseman in local youth leagues after encouragement from peers. In 2003, a coach identified his exceptional arm strength, prompting a shift to pitching that marked the onset of his athletic specialization. This transition aligned with Cuba's state-supported sports system, which funneled promising talents into national development pathways despite material limitations.

Entry into Cuban Baseball

Aroldis Chapman entered professional baseball in Cuba by joining the Holguín Sabuesos for the 2005–06 season of the Cuban National Series, the country's premier league. Born in 1988 in Holguín, he was 17 years old at the time and began as a starting pitcher for the team. In his rookie season, Chapman appeared in games totaling 54 innings pitched, achieving a 3–5 win–loss record with a 4.33 earned run average (ERA) and 56 strikeouts. He continued with Holguín through the 2008–09 season, gradually developing into a dominant left-handed pitcher known for his velocity. His performance improved notably in subsequent years, as shown in the following statistics from the Cuban National Series:
SeasonInnings PitchedWins–LossesERAStrikeouts
2005–0654.03–54.3356
2006–0781.14–32.77100
2007–0874.06–73.8979
2008–09118.111–44.03130
During the 2008–09 campaign, Chapman's 130 strikeouts led the Serie Nacional, surpassing the next closest pitcher by 11, while his 11 wins paced Holguín. He also recorded a complete game shutout in 2007–08, highlighting his growing prowess before defecting in 2009.

Defection from Cuba

Circumstances of Defection

Chapman's initial attempt to defect from Cuba failed in March 2008, when he was apprehended by state police while attempting to flee the island via speedboat alongside a teammate who ultimately did not appear. As a consequence, he was excluded from Cuba's 2008 Olympic baseball team and faced potential suspension from the National Series for up to two years. Following the failed escape, Chapman cooperated with Cuban authorities by testifying against four individuals accused of involvement in the smuggling plot, including Danilo Curbelo Garcia and Alejandro Medina, who were convicted in January 2009 and sentenced to 10 and 7 years in prison, respectively. This testimony, drawn from Cuban court documents and Chapman's later deposition, facilitated his reinstatement to the national team by early 2009. His successful defection took place on July 1, 2009, during the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where Chapman quietly left his room at the Domina Hotel, retained his passport independently, and entered a pre-arranged vehicle without alerting team officials or Cuban security. He had planned the move secretly for months with limited confidants, excluding his family—including his pregnant girlfriend Raidelmis Mendosa Santiestelas—from the details to minimize risks of interception. Cuban officials publicly confirmed the desertion on July 10, 2009. Subsequently, Chapman traveled through Belgium, France, and Spain before establishing residency in Andorra to circumvent MLB eligibility restrictions for Cuban players, enabling his entry into U.S. baseball as an international free agent. His daughter, Ashanti Brianna, was born in Cuba shortly after his departure, adding to the personal costs of the separation from family.

Arrival and Initial Challenges in the United States

Following his defection on July 1, 2009, from the Cuban national team during the World Port Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Chapman traveled through Belgium, France, and Spain before establishing residency in Andorra to qualify as an international free agent eligible for MLB signing. This process allowed him to bypass direct U.S. government restrictions on Cuban players at the time, though it prolonged his uncertainty, as he remained unsigned for six months amid agent negotiations and limited showcases for MLB teams. By late October 2009, Chapman had visited the United States, attending Game 6 of the American League Championship Series at Yankee Stadium, where he first encountered cultural differences such as colder weather and communication barriers with English-speaking fans. Chapman's initial time in the U.S. was marked by profound personal isolation, as he had defected without informing his family, leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend who gave birth to their daughter, Ashanti Brianna, shortly thereafter in Cuba. He could not reunite with them for approximately three years due to immigration and Cuban government restrictions, forcing him to navigate daily life, training, and professional evaluations alone while grappling with homesickness and the emotional toll of secrecy during his escape. Language barriers compounded these difficulties, with Chapman relying on translators for team meetings in cities like New York and Boston, and he later prioritized improving his English to facilitate adaptation. Professionally, Chapman faced skepticism from MLB scouts regarding his command—evidenced by a 5.37 walks-per-nine-innings rate in international play—and underdeveloped secondary pitches, raising doubts about his readiness despite his elite velocity. Without a team affiliation, he trained independently, often in makeshift settings, while enduring the pressure of high-stakes contract rumors ranging from $12 million over three years to $60 million over six, which heightened the risks of injury or performance dips in unmonitored conditions. These challenges persisted until January 11, 2010, when he finalized a six-year, $30.25 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, marking his formal entry into organized baseball in the U.S.

Professional Career in Major League Baseball

Cincinnati Reds (2010–2015)


Chapman signed a six-year, $30.25 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds on January 11, 2010, marking the largest deal for a relief pitcher at the time following his defection from Cuba. The agreement included performance incentives and positioned him as a key addition to the Reds' pitching staff, with general manager Walt Jocketty emphasizing the need to develop his potential in Major League Baseball. After spending time in minor league spring training and early-season assignments, Chapman made his MLB debut on August 31, 2010, against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park, pitching 1⅓ innings in relief and recording three strikeouts while allowing one run. In his rookie season, Chapman appeared in 17 games primarily as a reliever, posting a 0.71 ERA over 25⅓ innings with 33 strikeouts, though control issues led to 10 walks. On September 24, 2010, during a game against the San Diego Padres, he threw a 105.1 mph fastball, the fastest pitch officially recorded in MLB history at that point, surpassing previous marks and highlighting his exceptional velocity. The 2011 season saw Chapman transition from starting pitcher—where he struggled with command, walking 50 batters in 50⅓ innings—to a late-inning reliever, finishing with a 3.60 ERA in 68 appearances and beginning to establish dominance in high-leverage situations. By 2012, Chapman solidified his role as the Reds' closer, converting 38 of 43 save opportunities with a 1.51 ERA and 122⅔ innings of overpowering relief, earning his first All-Star selection. He maintained elite performance through 2015, selected to the National League All-Star team each year from 2012 to 2015, amassing 146 saves overall with the Reds at a 2.17 ERA across 346 appearances and 713⅓ innings pitched, striking out 703 batters while issuing 296 walks. In July 2012, he received the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award for his relief excellence, and in 2015, he captured the Reds' Johnny Vander Meer Award as the team's most outstanding pitcher after posting a 1.63 ERA with 33 saves in 65 games. His tenure featured consistent triple-digit fastballs, contributing to the Reds' competitive playoff pushes, including the 2010 National League Central division title and 2013 Wild Card appearance.

New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs (2016)

Chapman served a 30-game suspension at the start of the 2016 season due to a domestic violence incident from the prior offseason, missing the first 48 days. He made his Yankees debut on May 9, 2016, against the Kansas City Royals, allowing one run in one inning while striking out two batters and reaching speeds of 101 mph. Over 31 appearances with the Yankees, spanning 31⅓ innings, he recorded a 3–0 record, 2.01 ERA, 20 saves in 22 opportunities, eight walks, and 44 strikeouts, with a 0.89 WHIP. His performance included a 105.1 mph fastball on July 18 against the Baltimore Orioles, one of the fastest pitches recorded that season. On July 25, 2016, the Yankees traded Chapman to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for pitcher Adam Warren and prospects Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, and Rashad Crawford. With the Cubs, Chapman appeared in 28 games during the regular season, posting a 1–1 record, 1.01 ERA over 26⅔ innings, 16 saves, and 46 strikeouts, contributing to the team's National League Central division title and best record in MLB at 103–58. In the postseason, Chapman played a pivotal role in the Cubs' championship run, their first World Series title since 1908. He appeared in all seven games of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, logging 7⅔ innings with a 3.86 ERA, one win, one save, and 13 strikeouts. In Game 5, he delivered a career-long relief outing of 2⅔ scoreless innings for the save, preserving a 3–2 victory that extended the series. In Game 7, despite allowing a run in the eighth inning, he earned the win as the Cubs rallied to triumph 8–7 in 10 innings, clinching the series 4–3. Chapman's heavy usage, including multiple multi-inning appearances, underscored his value to the bullpen amid the Cubs' drought-ending success.

Return to New York Yankees (2017–2022)

On December 7, 2016, Chapman signed a five-year, $86 million contract with the New York Yankees, reuniting with the team after his mid-2016 trade to the Chicago Cubs and subsequent World Series appearance. This deal positioned him as the Yankees' primary closer entering the 2017 season, leveraging his high-velocity fastball and established reputation in late-inning relief roles. In 2017, Chapman appeared in 52 games, posting a 3-2 record with a 3.22 ERA, 21 saves, and 79 strikeouts over 46.2 innings before being sidelined. On May 14, he was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to inflammation in his left rotator cuff, missing over a month despite MRIs showing no structural damage. He temporarily lost his closer duties in August amid performance dips but reclaimed the role for the postseason, where he recorded a 1.13 ERA and three saves in six appearances during the Yankees' ALCS loss to the Houston Astros. Chapman's performance rebounded in 2018 and 2019, earning All-Star selections both years. In 2019, he achieved a career-high 37 saves in 60 appearances with a 2.21 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 57 innings, securing the American League Reliever of the Year award. On November 3, 2019, he agreed to a contract extension adding a $18 million option for 2022, committing through that season for a total of $48 million over three years. The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, saw Chapman convert all three save opportunities with a 3.00 ERA in 12 appearances. He earned another All-Star nod in 2021 but struggled post-June, allowing four home runs in limited innings. In 2022, injuries hampered his effectiveness: Achilles tendinitis sidelined him starting May 24, and an infected leg tattoo led to another stint on the injured list in late August. His season ended with a career-worst 4.46 ERA, nine saves, and exclusion from the ALDS roster after missing a mandatory workout, resulting in a fine. Over the six seasons, Chapman amassed 153 saves with a 2.94 ERA in 315 appearances for the Yankees, contributing to four postseason berths from 2017 to 2021 while maintaining elite velocity, though control issues and injuries increasingly affected consistency.

Late-Career Moves (2023–2025)

On January 27, 2023, Chapman signed a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. In 28 appearances for the Royals, he recorded a 3.90 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 23.1 innings pitched before the team traded him on June 30, 2023, to the Texas Rangers in exchange for starting pitcher Cole Ragans and catcher Roni Cabrera. With the Rangers, Chapman appeared in 10 games during the regular season, posting a 4.50 ERA, and contributed to their postseason run, including the 2023 World Series championship. He received his World Series ring from the Rangers on August 19, 2024, prior to a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chapman elected free agency on November 2, 2023, after declining a mutual option with Texas. On January 31, 2024, Chapman agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 56 appearances that season, he logged a 3.79 ERA with 98 strikeouts in 53.1 innings, serving primarily as a setup reliever. He became a free agent again on October 31, 2024. Chapman signed a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox on December 3, 2024. Through the 2025 season, he has excelled as the team's closer, achieving a 1.17 ERA, 32 saves, and 85 strikeouts in approximately 61 innings, earning selection to his eighth All-Star Game. On April 19, 2025, he threw a 102.3 mph fastball, setting a franchise velocity record for the Red Sox and marking his sixth different team for which he holds such a mark.

Pitching Style and Technique

Repertoire and Pitch Characteristics

Aroldis Chapman's pitching repertoire centers on a high-velocity four-seam fastball and a hard slider, with secondary usage of a sinker and occasional offspeed pitches such as a splitter or changeup. As a left-handed reliever, he typically deploys his fastball for 50-60% of pitches, leveraging its elite speed to overpower hitters, while the slider serves as his primary out pitch at around 30-40% usage. The four-seam fastball exhibits minimal vertical drop and rides with induced vertical break, often exceeding 100 mph, with average velocities historically ranging from 98 to 101 mph across seasons. Chapman's slider, thrown in the mid-80s mph, features sharp horizontal and vertical break, generating high whiff rates due to its late movement and velocity differential from the fastball. His sinker, introduced more prominently around 2018, mirrors fastball velocity near 100 mph but adds arm-side run and sink for groundball induction, comprising about 10% of his arsenal. Less frequently, Chapman employs a splitter or changeup for deception against opposite-handed hitters, with the splitter showing greater usage in career totals at velocities in the high-80s mph, though these pitches account for under 10% combined. This streamlined repertoire emphasizes power over variety, contributing to his effectiveness in high-leverage situations by exploiting velocity gaps and movement profiles that challenge hitters' timing.

Velocity Records and Mechanical Analysis

Chapman's four-seam fastball reached a verified speed of 105.8 miles per hour (mph) on September 24, 2010, against the San Diego Padres while pitching for the Cincinnati Reds, earning him the Guinness World Record for the fastest baseball pitch by a male. This mark stands as the highest verified velocity in Major League Baseball (MLB) history under pre-Statcast measurement standards, surpassing prior records like Nolan Ryan's 100.8 mph from 1974. He has recorded multiple pitches exceeding 104 mph in subsequent seasons, including a 104.7 mph strikeout on August 7, 2024, demonstrating sustained elite velocity into his late 30s. In 2025, at age 37, Chapman continued setting franchise velocity benchmarks across teams, including a 102.3 mph fastball for the Boston Red Sox on April 19—his sixth such team record—along with peaks of 103.8 mph early in the season and consistent 101+ mph outings in September. These feats reflect his fastball's average velocity remaining above 98 mph in recent years, per Statcast data, with tops exceeding 102 mph. His ability to maintain such speeds correlates with low walk rates and high strike percentages, as evidenced by a 70% first-pitch strike rate in key appearances. Mechanical analyses attribute Chapman's velocity to efficient kinetic chain sequencing, featuring pronounced hip-shoulder separation and a high arm slot that maximizes torque without excessive strain. His delivery emphasizes lower-body drive and rapid forearm pronation, enabling "effortless" power transfer from legs through core to arm, as observed in biomechanical breakdowns of his motion. This structure allows sustained high output, with adjustments in recent seasons—such as refined stride and release point—contributing to his 2024-2025 resurgence in command and speed despite prior inconsistencies. Experts note his long levers and wrist snap generate spin rates around 2,200-2,300 revolutions per minute on fastballs, enhancing perceived velocity and movement.

Achievements and Statistical Highlights

All-Star Selections and Awards

Chapman was selected to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game eight times, first as a member of the Cincinnati Reds in 2012 and consecutively from 2013 to 2015, followed by selections with the New York Yankees in 2018, 2019, and 2021, and with the Boston Red Sox in 2025. He appeared in five of those games, allowing one earned run across 4.1 innings pitched while striking out five batters. In the 2025 All-Star Game at Truist Park, Chapman entered in the 10th inning and retired the side in order, including a strikeout of Aaron Judge, forcing the first swing-off tiebreaker since 1932 to decide the game's outcome. Chapman's relief pitching accolades include the American League Reliever of the Year Award (Mariano Rivera Award) in 2019, when he recorded 37 saves and a 2.21 ERA over 61 appearances for the Yankees. He earned six Reliever of the Month honors across his career, most recently in August 2025 with the Red Sox, during which he pitched 11 scoreless innings, converted eight saves, and struck out 19 batters without issuing a walk. In October 2025, Baseball Digest named him MLB Relief Pitcher of the Year, recognizing his 1.17 ERA, 85 strikeouts, and league-leading 0.70 WHIP over 61.1 innings in 67 appearances.

Postseason Contributions and Records

Aroldis Chapman has made 46 postseason appearances spanning nine playoff runs with the Cincinnati Reds (2010, 2012), Chicago Cubs (2016), New York Yankees (2017–2020), Texas Rangers (2023), and Boston Red Sox (2025), posting a 3–4 record, 2.26 ERA, 73 strikeouts, and 11 saves over 51.2 innings pitched. His postseason strikeout rate stands at 12.7 per nine innings, underscoring his dominance as a reliever in elimination scenarios.
YearTeamSeriesGIPW–LERASOSV
2010CINWC21.20–10.0010
2012CINNLDS33.00–03.0030
2016CHCNLWC/NLDS/NLCS/WS1315.22–03.45214
2017NYYWC/DS/ALCS68.00–11.13163
2018NYYWC33.00–00.0040
2019NYYDS/ALCS55.10–13.3892
2020NYYWC34.21–11.9381
2023TEXALDS/ALCS/WS98.00–02.2560
2025BOSWC22.10–00.0051
Career4651.23–42.267311
Chapman's most notable postseason contributions came in 2016 after his midseason trade to the Cubs, where he appeared in all 13 playoff games en route to the franchise's first World Series title in 108 years. In the World Series against the Cleveland Indians, he secured four saves overall, including a career-long 2.1 innings in Game 5 on October 30 to preserve a 3–2 victory and force a Game 7. In Game 6, Chapman recorded 1.1 scoreless innings, highlighted by a hustle play where he beat Cleveland's Francisco Lindor to first base on a grounder after receiving a throw 13.3 feet from the bag. He earned the win in Game 7 after pitching the eighth inning—allowing one run on an RBI single by Rajai Davis—before the Cubs rallied post-rain delay for an 8–7 triumph. In 2017 with the Yankees, Chapman delivered a 1.13 ERA across the Wild Card, Division Series, and ALCS, notching three saves and 16 strikeouts in eight innings, though New York fell to Houston in seven ALCS games. During the 2023 postseason, he contributed 8 innings of 2.25-ERA relief over nine appearances as the Rangers captured their first World Series championship, defeating the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games. Chapman's two World Series rings (2016 Cubs, 2023 Rangers) highlight his impact in title runs, despite no individual postseason records; his velocity, including multiple 100+ mph pitches in high-stakes games, has been a consistent factor in his effectiveness.

Controversies

2015 Domestic Incident and Suspension

On October 30, 2015, Cincinnati Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman was involved in an altercation at his home in Davie, Florida, with his then-girlfriend, Cristina Barnea, aged 22. The dispute began after Barnea discovered text messages from another woman on Chapman's phone while using the bathroom, leading to an argument. Barnea alleged that Chapman pushed her against a wall, placed his hands around her neck, and choked her during the confrontation. She then fled the house, at which point Chapman reportedly punched a car window in the garage, injuring his hand, before retrieving a handgun from his vehicle and firing eight shots into a garage wall and window while inside the locked space. Barnea called 911, but subsequent police interviews revealed inconsistencies, including her lack of visible injuries consistent with choking and reluctance to pursue charges. Local authorities, including the Davie Police Department and Broward County State Attorney's office, investigated but declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence and uncooperative witnesses, including Barnea and Chapman, who admitted to firing the gun but denied the choking allegation. No arrests were made at the scene or afterward. Major League Baseball, operating under its Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy implemented in 2015, conducted a separate review despite the absence of criminal prosecution. On March 1, 2016, shortly after Chapman was traded to the New York Yankees, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced a 30-game suspension without pay for violating the policy, the first such penalty under the new rules. Chapman accepted the suspension without appeal, stating it stemmed solely from his "bad judgment" in firing the gun and expressing regret for that action alone, while maintaining he did not harm Barnea physically. The penalty, equivalent to about 18.75% of the season, reflected MLB's authority to impose discipline based on its findings rather than criminal outcomes, amid broader scrutiny of domestic violence in professional sports. Chapman missed the first 29 games of the 2016 season before returning on May 9.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Aroldis Chapman was born on February 28, 1988, in Holguín, Cuba, to parents who remained there following his defection to the Dominican Republic in July 2009, along with two sisters, a then-girlfriend, and a newborn child. He subsequently arranged for his immediate family members to join him in the United States, achieving reunification by around 2011–2012 after navigating immigration processes. Chapman has at least two children from prior relationships. His daughter, Ashanti Brianna, was born to ex-girlfriend Mendosa Santiestelas, with whom he was involved from 2008 to 2009; the child was newborn at the time of his defection, and Chapman had not initially met her. His son, Atticus Gabriel Chapman, was born on June 30, 2014, in Cincinnati, Ohio, during Chapman's tenure with the Cincinnati Reds; the child's mother was his girlfriend at the time, and Chapman has provided financial support while the couple is no longer together. By 2014, extended family, including the son and his mother, resided together with Chapman in South Florida. Chapman has not publicly confirmed marriage and maintains a private stance on current relationships, with no verified records of wedlock as of 2025. He was linked to Cristina Barnea starting around 2014, during which period he fathered a child with her, consistent with the timeline of Atticus's birth.

Philanthropy and Public Persona

In 2015, Chapman donated the majority of funds required for a new locker room renovation for the men's volleyball team at Mount St. Joseph University in Cincinnati, covering nearly 80 percent of the costs as a gesture of friendship toward a team member he knew personally. Chapman has supported relief efforts for victims of natural disasters in Cuba, including a contribution to Caritas Cuba following a 2019 tornado in Havana, which he publicized on Instagram as part of his commitment to aiding his homeland. On December 17, 2024, shortly after signing with the Boston Red Sox, Chapman donated toys to underprivileged children at a Miami school, participating in a community event to bring holiday cheer to needy families. Beyond formal donations, Chapman has provided informal assistance to Cuban athletes defecting or training in the United States, such as covering travel expenses for a group of boxers in New York and Miami as of 2014. Chapman's public persona emphasizes loyalty to his Cuban roots and family, often expressing nostalgia for his upbringing while maintaining a low-profile off the field, with limited media engagement focused on baseball rather than personal promotion. His defection from Cuba in 2009 and subsequent success as a high-velocity pitcher have shaped an image as a resilient immigrant athlete, though he has faced scrutiny for off-field legal matters separate from his charitable efforts.

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  80. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2015/12/08/chapman-investigation-8-shots-uncooperative-witnesses/76985408/
  81. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/14317320/aroldis-chapman-fired-gun-accused-choking-girlfriend-domestic-violence-incident
  82. https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/aroldis-chapman-fired-gun-accused-choking-girlfriend-oct/story?id=35637646
  83. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/08/domestic-violence-case-against-aroldis-chapman-closed-but-trade-on-hold
  84. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/yankees-pitcher-chapman-disciplined-165869818
  85. https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/aroldis-chapman-suspended-30-games-three-things-to-know/
  86. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2619749-aroldis-chapman-suspended-30-games-by-mlb-latest-details-comments-and-reaction
  87. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2016/03/01/report-aroldis-chapman-suspended-30-games/80701606/
  88. https://www.mlb.com/news/entire-family-in-us-reds-closer-aroldis-chapman-finding-peace-off-field/c-68637504
  89. https://heavy.com/sports/2015/12/aroldis-chapman-girlfriend-domestic-violence-arrest-choking-police-report-trade-reds-baseball/
  90. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/aroldis-chapman.html
  91. https://celebs.infoseemedia.com/atticus-gabriel-chapman/
  92. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/aroldis-chapman
  93. https://www.mlb.com/news/chapman-makes-donation-for-new-locker-room/c-106408294
  94. https://www.thecatholictelegraph.com/donation-from-reds-chapman-to-mount-st-joseph-a-gesture-of-friendship/21002
  95. https://www.cubaenmiami.com/en/pelotero-cubano-aroldis-chapman-ayuda-damnificados-por-el-tornado-en-la-habana/
  96. https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2024-12-17-u1-e197721-s27061-nid294008-aroldis-chapman-lleva-alegria-ninos-necesitados
  97. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1225554-have-aroldis-chapmans-off-the-field-issues-started-to-impact-his-play
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