Aroldis Chapman Shows Off 99.9 MPH Fastball In Spring Training Against Rays

Aroldis Chapman Shows Off 99.9 MPH Fastball In Spring Training Against Rays originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman made his Spring Training debut on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

After allowing a leadoff double, Chapman struck out three batters in one inning work, throwing 15 strikes across 20 pitches, with his fastball reaching 99.9 miles per hour.

Aroldis Chapman put together a scoreless inning in his first outing of the spring.

1 IP - 20 Pitches/15 Strikes
1 Hit
0 ER/R
3 K
0 BB
2 Whiffs

Maxed out at 99.9. Worked around a leadoff double. pic.twitter.com/Q93lv4DVll

— Tyler Milliken (@tylermilliken_) February 26, 2026

Chapman is coming off a standout 2025 season with the Red Sox in his debut year with the franchise. At age 37, he went 5-3 with a 1.17 ERA in 67 games, pitching 61.1 innings while collecting 32 saves, 85 strikeouts, and a 0.70 WHIP.

Batters hit only .132 against the lefty, who earned an All-Star nod, seventh place in Cy Young voting, 18th in MVP consideration, and the AL Reliever of the Year honor.

Across his 16 MLB seasons, the power-armed Cuban has posted a 2.52 ERA over 863 outings with 24.3 WAR. After beginning with the Reds and enjoying a lengthy Yankees tenure, Chapman played key roles for the Cubs (including their 2016 championship run), Royals, Rangers, and Pirates prior to Boston.

He reached his 350th career save in 2025. In late summer, the Red Sox secured his services for 2026 via a $13.3 million extension featuring a 2027 option. Entering the new year, Chapman remains a flamethrowing force in the bullpen as he prepares for another campaign.

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