Former Yankees Closer Aroldis Chapman Hits 103.8 MPH in Red Sox Win

At 37 years old, Aroldis Chapman continues to defy expectations, as he delivered a blazing performance on Wednesday night to close out a Boston Red Sox win over the Texas Rangers.

Chapman, who has long been known for his blistering fastball, topped out at 103.8 MPH in the ninth inning, setting the mark for the hardest-thrown pitch of the 2025 MLB season, surpassing Mason Miller’s 103.7 MPH fastball from last month. This wasn’t just a one-time occurrence, as Chapman threw five pitches over 101 MPH in his outing.

The Red Sox’s new closer continues to prove that age isn’t slowing him down. After a disappointing final season with the New York Yankees in 2022, where he dealt with mechanical and physical issues, Chapman is showing he still has the heat to compete at the highest level. His tenure with the Yankees included 153 saves and a 2.94 ERA over 294⅓ innings, but his final year with the team was marred by injuries, a 4.46 ERA, and off-the-field controversies, including an infection from a tattoo and a failure to show up for a playoff workout.

Following a short stint with the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers, where he secured his second World Series title, Chapman signed a one-year, $10.75 million deal with the Red Sox. His recent fastball performance not only highlights his continued ability but also sets the stage for a potential showdown with his former Yankees team as soon as next month.

Chapman’s time in New York ended with frustration on both sides—he was demoted from the closer role, and the Yankees eventually parted ways with him. However, Chapman’s resurgence with Boston proves that he still has plenty left in the tank. His fastball is as electric as ever, and he’s eager to prove that he’s not done just yet.