Boston – Aroldis Chapman, at 37 years old, continues to demonstrate his worth on the mound. The Boston Red Sox closer threw the fastest pitch of the 2025 season last night, reaching 103.8 miles per hour, according to Statcast, in his team’s 6-4 victory over the Texas Rangers at Fenway Park.
The record-breaking pitch was against Blaine Crim in the ninth inning, who was ultimately struck out. Broadcaster David O’Brien reacted with astonishment during the broadcast.
Wow, that was going 104 mph!
David O’Brien
With this release, Chapman surpassed the previous season record, set by the Athletics’ Mason Miller with 103.7 mph, and established a new speed record for a Red Sox pitcher in the Statcast Era (since 2008), surpassing his own mark of 103.4 mph from last April 26.
Chapman, known as the “Cuban Missile”, is recognized for his speed records. He still holds the fastest pitch in Major League history since speeds have been officially recorded: 105.7 mph in 2016, when he played for the Yankees.
Beyond the record, the lefty’s numbers are impressive. In 12.1 innings pitched this season, Chapman has an ERA of 2.19 with five saves, and an average of 99.0 mph on his fastball. Before Wednesday’s game, he had already totaled 41 pitches of 100 mph or more, the sixth-most among all MLB pitchers in 2025.
