MLB History: The best major leaguers to come out of Cuba
By Bill Felber
20. Aroldis Chapman, Holguin, Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Yankees, 2010-Present, +16.0
Chapman is the quintessential modern reliever, a 100-mph left-hander. Between 2012 and 2016, he annually chalked up at least 33 saves, and he has 236 for his career.
Chapman’s work during the 2016 World Series – notably his seven and two-thirds World Series innings – is credited in large part with the Cubs’ ability to rebound from 3-1 deficit to defeat the Cleveland Indians. That’s true even though Chapman gave up the eighth inning, game-tying home run to Rajai Davis.
Still his best season was probably 2012 when, pitching for the Reds, he appeared in 68 games, compiled a 1.51 ERA and saved a career-high 38 games as Cincinnati made a final post-season appearance.
Traded to the Yankees prior to the 2016 season and then to the Cubs midway through that season, Chapman signed a five-year, $6 million deal with the Yanks as a free agent following the 2016 World Series. Since then he has appeared in 85 games, saving 54 of them in 102 innings of work.
Before coming to the U.S., Chapman pitched four seasons for his home town Holguin team in the Cuban professional league. Since coming to the big leagues, he has pitched strictly in relief, appearing in 490 games. His nickname reflects both his abilities and his heritage. Chapman is familiarly known as “The Cuban Missile.”