Aroldis Chapman

Comparing Aroldis Chapman to some of the greatest relievers of all time

Published Jul. 20, 2015 2:13 p.m. ET

foxsports

Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman became the fastest pitcher to reach 500 strikeouts, reaching the achievement in just 292.0 innings pitched. The previous mark was held by San Diego Padres closer Craig Kimbrel, who got to 500 in 305 IP.

Chapman is also one of the fastest-throwing pitchers in baseball, with his average fastball velocity a full 1.5 mph faster than any other pitcher.

Top relievers in 2015 in average fastball velocity

	Fastball Velocity (mph)
Aroldis Chapman, Reds	99.7
Arquimedes Caminero, Pirates	98.2
Kelvin Herrera, Royals	98.0
Trevor Rosenthal, Cardinals	97.5
Craig Kimbrel, Padres	97.5

Chapman's average fastball velocity over his career is also the fastest all-time -- 0.1 mph faster than former Tigers' closer Joel Zumaya.

All-Time top relievers in average fastball velocity

	Fastball Velocity (MPG)
Aroldis Chapman, Reds	98.6
Joel Zumaya, Tigers	98.5
Kelvin Herrera, Royals	98.2
Henry Rodriguez, Athletics/Nationals	98.0
Nate Jones, White Sox	97.6

As a reliever, Chapman has put himself in elite company being the fastest to 500 strikeouts, and if he keep up his current pace he could place himself among the best relievers of all time. Here's how Chapman stacks up against the best:

Comparing Chapman to the best relievers in baseball

	IP	ERA	K/9
Aroldis Chapman, Reds	292.0	2.22	15.41
Mariano Rivera, Yankees	1233.2	2.06	8.28
Trevor Hoffman, Padres/Brewers	1089.1	2.87	9.36
Goose Gossage, Yankees/Padres	1578.0	2.86	7.85
Rollie Fingers, Athletics/Padres	1553.1	2.84	7.07
Lee Smith, Cubs/Cardinals	1252.1	2.98	8.80

And here's how some of the best relievers compare to Chapman through the same approximate number of innings pitched:

Comparing Chapman to some of the best relievers in baseball through 292.0 IP

	IP	ERA	K/9
Aroldis Chapman, Reds	292.0	2.22	15.41
Mariano Rivera, Yankees	291.2	2.72	8.45
Trevor Hoffman, Padres	291.2	3.18	9.72
Billy Wagner, Astros/Phillies	291.2	2.78	13.42
Robb Nen, Marlins/Giants	291.1	3.63	9.14

Finally, let's compare Chapman and the above relievers in terms of saves through about 292.0 IP (Rivera began his career as a starting pitcher before moving to the bullpen):

Comparing Chapman to some of the best relievers in baseball

	IP	Saves
Aroldis Chapman, Reds	292.0	131
Mariano Rivera, Yankees	291.2	80
Trevor Hoffman, Padres	292.2	99
Billy Wagner, Astros/Phillies	292.2	112
Robb Nen, Marlins/Giants	292.1	90

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Aroldis Chapman

Cincinnati Reds