5 reasons why Chapman is in high demand

Even with two other top closers hitting the free-agent market, Aroldis Chapman is as good as it gets.

The flamethrowing left-hander could command a record deal for a relief pitcher, and it’s easy to see why. Chapman’s track record of dominance, which continued in 2016, makes him the next player featured in MLB.com’s series that looks at five key stats for some of this offseason’s top free agents.

• Hot Stove Tracker

After helping bring the Cubs their first World Series title since 1908 this season, here’s a look at five stats that showcase what Chapman can bring to the team he signs with next season.

Bringing the heat For Chapman, of course, it all starts with the triple-digit fastball. Chapman’s heater averaged 100.8 mph in 2016, according to Statcast™, the fastest in the Major Leagues. Not only that, because of his extension, to a hitter, it seems even faster. Chapman averaged a 101.5 perceived velocity on his fastball this season, the only pitcher in baseball to average triple digits. Nearly 70 percent of his fastballs were 100 mph or faster — 681 of 996 — and he threw almost twice as many 100-mph fastballs as the pitcher with the next-most in baseball — Mauricio Cabrera, who threw 342.

A league of his own There’s a reason MLB.com had to install a …

continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com