Aroldis Chapman on verge of setting another record

Aroldis Chapman could set another record this season. Almost a month ago, I noted that Chapman could set the record for the highest average fastball velocity in a season. He could become the first pitcher to average triple digits with his fastball in a season.

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After last night’s action (of which Chapman did not pitch), Chapman’s average fastball velocity sat at 100.3. This is according to the Pitchf/x pitch velocity section on Fangraphs. Today, he left little to wonder if he could hold on to that record as for the six fastballs he did throw, five were at 101. The other was at 99. These velocities were taken from Gameday on MLB.com

Now, Chapman is on the verge of another record.

Going into today’s action, the Cincinnati Reds closer had struck out 101 of the 195 batter he had faced. That’s a whopping 51.8% which is also a MLB record. In his appearance this afternoon, he struck out two of the tree Pittsburgh Pirates he faced. That number now sits at 52.0%. Seems basic enough.

There was a bit of a discussion between the announcing team about how when the Reds had signed Chapman, that the original intent was to make him a starter. And as Tom Verducci said, “That ship has sailed.”

Yes, we all know what Aroldis Chapman’s role clearly is now. It’s to throw 100+MPH fastballs by opposing hitters and strike them out.