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MLB power rankings: Top 25 current players

By Joshua Sadlock

April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
April 8, 2017; Anaheim, CA, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) celebrates after he hits a two run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the seventh inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 14, 2017; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Aroldis Chapman

RP, New York Yankees

  • Career Stats: 185 saves, 644 SO, 15.2 K/9
  • Career Accolades: 4x All-Star, hardest thrower in MLB history, fastest to 500 strikeouts, MLB record for most consecutive appearances with a strikeout

Putting his personal issues aside, there is no denying that Aroldis Chapman is one of the most dominant relievers in MLB history. Since taking over as closer for the Reds in 2012, Chapman has a 1.81 ERA with 15.7 strikeouts per nine. It is impossible to beat a closer if you cannot put the ball in play. His 105-mph fastball has redefined the type of velocity pitchers can reach.

Chapman could be getting even better going forward in his new contract with the Yankees, especially if he finds a way to throw more effective offspeed pitches. If a hitter does manage to run into one of his fastballs, it will go a long way. In Game 7 of the World Series, Chapman was running on fumes, and was not effective as his fastball lost 5-7 ticks.

"“They’re good pitches. Really,” Girardi said. “I told you in spring training he had a lot better changeup than people knew about. He’s throwing it and it’s looked pretty darn good.”"

Chapman will have to evolve because at some point in his career, he will not be throwing 105 mph. Adding a better changeup now, while also honing his slider could make Aroldis Chapman all but impossible to hit.

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