Aroldis Chapman, widely regarded as one of baseball’s elite closers, played a pivotal role during his single season with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. That year, the Cubs famously ended their 107-year championship drought, a moment etched in baseball history. Although Chapman’s tenure at Wrigley Field was brief, his contribution to the team‘s success remains unforgettable.
In Game Seven of the World Series, the Cubs built a three-run lead late in the game, but Chapman faced immense pressure in the bottom of the eighth inning. He allowed two hits and a two-run home run to Rajai Davis, which significantly narrowed the lead. Despite this setback, Chapman held his composure and secured the final out of the inning, helping keep the Cubs within reach.
The Cubs eventually won the championship after extra innings, securing the title their fans had long awaited. Evanston-born actor and die-hard Cubs supporter Bill Murray later applauded Chapman’s resilience during those tense moments, highlighting the pitcher’s ability to stay focused under pressure.
“When the guy (Rajai Davis) hit the home run, you thought ‘oh, is he (Aroldis Chapman) going to fall apart?’ But, he just threw a blistering ball right after it. I was like ‘yeah, he hit a home run, I bet you this guy’s not going to hit a home run.’ He just came back and threw it right down the throat, he was great,” Murray said [1:30]
Chapman’s Ongoing Career and Recent Achievements
Since 2016, Aroldis Chapman has built an extensive career playing for some of the most prominent franchises in Major League Baseball. Now 37 years old, Chapman continues to perform at a high level, most recently joining the Boston Red Sox in 2025. Despite some predictions that he might fade from relevance at this stage, Chapman has proven otherwise by delivering strong performances.
This season, he earned his eighth All-Star selection thanks to an impressive showing in the first half of 2025. Chapman’s current form has kept him in the spotlight as he once again aims to contribute to a postseason push. The Red Sox are positioned well to secure a playoff spot, potentially through the American League wildcard, which could see Chapman pitching in October once more.
The Lasting Impact of Chapman’s 2016 World Series Performance
Chapman’s ability to maintain calm during critical moments in the 2016 World Series has become a defining aspect of his legacy. His resilience under pressure helped stabilize the Cubs when the championship seemed in jeopardy. This trait continues to shape his reputation as one of baseball’s most dependable closers.
As Chapman pursues further success with the Red Sox, his career serves as a reminder of how mental toughness and skill can combine to produce memorable moments in sports history. Fans and teammates alike look forward to seeing whether he can again play a decisive role in postseason baseball.