Red Sox’s Aroldis Chapman Sets New Goal After Milestone Save Vs. Reds

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman did more than just boost his All-Star chances with his save Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds. The southpaw etched his name in MLB’s record book.

Chapman picked up his 350th career save by shutting the door on Boston’s 5-3 win over Cincinnati. He is the 14th player in big-league history to reach that milestone.

“It means a lot, means a lot,” said Chapman, according to Masslive.com’s Sean McAdam. “It’s (a reminder of) all the hard work you put in and also means your team wins. The 350 saves means that your team has won that many times.”

The 37-year-old is third all-time among active saves leaders. The men ahead of him on the list also once called Fenway Park home.

“I’ve had the luxury of having three of the great ones – Craig (Kimbrel), Kenley (Jansen) and now Chappy,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said, per McAdam. “Having those guys, it’s an eight-inning game. The guy, he keeps getting better.”

Jensen is fourth all-time with 462 saves. Kimbrel is fifth with 440 saves.

As for Chapman, his next benchmark is set. “My goal is to reach 400,“ said Chapman, according to McAdam. ”I know that’s not an easy task to accomplish, but I’m going to keep working hard to accomplish that goal.”

Up next for Chapman could be a spot in the All-Star Game. He’s tied for eighth in the American League with 15 saves. Chapman’s 1-2-3 ninth inning Wednesday (12 pitches, nine strikes, one strikeout) also lowered his ERA to a career-best 1.29. If selected, it would be Chapman’s eighth All-Star nod.

The fireballing lefty is making $10.75 million this season, after which he will be a free agent.