The best closers in MLB history: 18. Aroldis Chapman
- 315 total saves
- 484 games finished
- 2.48 ERA
- 40.2 strikeout percentage
The 10 spot belongs to the first active member of his list. Currently, Aroldis Chapman is the 10th best closer of all-time, but at 35 years old for the 2023 season and with plenty left in the tank, he’ll likely climb higher in any future editions of this ranking.
Chapman is also one of the more unique members of his list with a real opportunity to become the first left-handed relief pitcher to be inducted into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. The “Cuban Missle” is best known for one pitch, although he’s a more complete pitcher than that. Still, it’s impossible to not rave about his heater.
The Cuban Missle’s fastball is so unique that it owns a place in the Guinness World Record book. On September 24, 2010, Chapman recorded a 105.1 mph fastball while pitching for the Reds. This is considered the fastest pitch to be thrown, in the world, ever. Keep in mind, this comes from a 6-foot-4 left-handed pitcher that’s listed at 218 pounds, almost entirely muscle. He has one of the most intimidating arms that hitters have ever faced and certainly one of the most-intimidating in today’s game.
Chapman also features a devastating slider and is all over the MLB Statcast record book for the most pitches clocked at three digits. In 13 years of MLB experience, mostly with the Reds and New York Yankees, Chapman owns 315 total saves, 484 games finished, and a 2.25 ERA. He also strikes out nearly 15 batters per nine innings while giving up just 0.5 home runs. It’s all about the strikeout for Chapman. Chapman strikes out 40.2 percent of hitters he faces.