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MLB·BREAKING·July 4, 2026 12:15 PM ET

Aroldis Chapman Sets All-Time Strikeout Record for Relief Pitchers With No. 1,364

Chapman now owns the reliever strikeout crown.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 41 min read
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A pitch from Aroldis Chapman that made history 🤩 (MLB x @NewYorkLife) https://t.co/ng1uYkNtTO Via @MLB on X

What happened: Aroldis Chapman recorded career strikeout No. 1,364, setting a new all-time record for strikeouts by a relief pitcher. The milestone punch-out moved him past every reliever in major league history.

Why it matters: The record cements Chapman's standing as one of the most dominant bullpen arms the game has seen, a career built on a fastball that redefined velocity expectations for closers. It also lands at a pivotal moment: the same Chapman who emerged as MLB's premier trade target has been the subject of intense deadline speculation all month, and a historic milestone only raises his profile.

By the numbers: Career strikeout No. 1,364 established the new all-time mark for relief pitchers, surpassing every bullpen arm in major league history.

What to watch: Watch whether the milestone amplifies the trade chatter that has followed Chapman ahead of the August deadline, with contenders reportedly circling the veteran closer all summer.

Sources

  • @MLB 
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