GOOD NEWS: Aroldis Chapman’s Remarkable Late-Career Resurgence Turning Heads Across MLB
By [Your Name], The Athletic-style Contributor
At 37 years old, most pitchers are winding down their careers, managing pain, and trying to squeeze out one more year in the big leagues. But not Aroldis Chapman.
The former All-Star closer—long known for his blistering fastball and volatile command—is quietly putting together one of the most impressive stretches of his late career. Since May 27, Chapman hasn’t allowed a single earned run, and he’s doing it with a newfound command and confidence that has analysts revisiting what they thought they knew about aging relievers.
“He’s not just surviving out there,” said one opposing scout. “He’s thriving.”
Reinvention Through Simplicity
Chapman’s success can largely be attributed to a change in his pitch usage—specifically, a dramatic improvement in his sinker. Once an afterthought in his arsenal, the pitch now regularly clocks in at 98–100 mph with sharp late movement, making it nearly impossible to barrel up. It’s generating whiffs and weak contact at a rate unseen since his Cincinnati days.
More importantly, Chapman has significantly lowered his walk rate—long a thorn in his side. In past seasons, he’d often struggle to find the zone consistently, especially in high-leverage situations. But in 2025, his command has been pinpoint, allowing him to attack hitters early and trust his stuff late.
“He’s mixing the sinker with his slider perfectly,” said a former teammate. “Hitters can’t sit fastball anymore, and that’s made all the difference.”
The Numbers Back It Up
Since the start of the season, Chapman has recorded a strikeout rate north of 33% and is sitting on a sparkling sub-2.00 ERA. He’s added to his already-impressive career numbers, which now include over 350 saves and more than 1,300 strikeouts.
For comparison, no other active reliever over the age of 35 is close to matching Chapman’s current velocity or efficiency. His WHIP is below 1.00, and his opponents’ batting average has dipped under .180.
“He looks like he’s 28 again,” said one rival manager.
Beyond the Stats: Mental Growth
What’s perhaps more impressive than the numbers is Chapman’s composure on the mound. Once known for emotional outbursts and inconsistency in pressure moments, he now appears calm, measured, and in control.
Insiders say Chapman spent the offseason working with a mental skills coach and refining his workout regimen to prioritize mobility and recovery. That’s helped his mechanics stay consistent and his body recover faster between outings.
“I had to change how I approached everything,” Chapman said in a recent USA TODAY interview. “The mind has to be just as strong as the arm.”
A Quiet Leader in the Clubhouse
Though no longer the centerpiece of a bullpen, Chapman has embraced a veteran leadership role. Younger pitchers reportedly seek him out for advice on pitch grips, mindset, and the realities of life in MLB.
“He leads by example now,” one teammate shared. “He’s in the gym first, he studies hitters, he’s showing guys what longevity looks like.”
That role is especially critical as his current team eyes a playoff push. While not necessarily the closer anymore, Chapman has been used in high-leverage middle and late-inning spots, and he’s been lights out.
What Comes Next?
Could Chapman make an All-Star team again? Could he finish the season with a sub-2.00 ERA for the first time since 2019? At this rate, those outcomes don’t seem so far-fetched.
What’s certain is this: Aroldis Chapman isn’t done. And in an era where the average bullpen arm lasts barely a few seasons, his resurgence is not just impressive—it’s inspiring.
For a player who’s faced personal and professional challenges, Chapman’s story is one of adaptation, focus, and a reminder that with the right changes, even a fireballer at 37 can reinvent himself.
And if you’re a hitter facing him in the ninth inning? Good luck. The old Chapman might be gone—but this new version may be even better.