Game Over: Why This Pitcher is the Best Closer in Baseball

Looking For the Best Closer in Baseball? Read and Learn Why Aroldis Chapman Stands Out From the Rest With His Dominant Performance and Mental Toughness.

Baseball is a game that is filled with excitement, anticipation and a fair share of heartbreaks. One of the most critical positions in baseball is the closer. A closer’s job is to ensure that their team secures a win by shutting down the opposing team in the final inning. The pitcher who holds the title of the best closer in baseball today is none other than Aroldis Chapman. Let’s take a look at why he takes the crown for the best closer in baseball.

The Case for the Pitcher

Aroldis Chapman is a left-handed pitcher who currently plays for the New York Yankees. There are however rumours he will be wearing a new uniform this 2023, signing a deal with Kansas City Royals. His career statistics are impressive, with a career ERA of 2.48 and a total of 315 saves. Chapman’s fastball is the stuff of legends, with the ability to reach speeds of over 100 mph. He is a five-time All-Star and has won the Rolaids Relief Man Award twice. Chapman has been a dominant force in the league since he debuted in 2010 with the Cincinnati Reds.

Chapman’s ability to close out games is nothing short of exceptional. In the 2021 season, Chapman closed out 29 games, recording 61 strikeouts in just 40 innings pitched. He also achieved a 1.63 ERA, making him one of the most dominant closers in the game. Chapman’s ability to get strikeouts in critical moments of the game has been a game-changer for the Yankees across the years.

When compared to other notable closers in baseball, Chapman stands out. In terms of ERA, Chapman has the second-lowest ERA of all active closers, just behind Craig Kimbrel. He also ranks in the top five in saves among active closers. Chapman has a career save percentage of 89%, making him one of the most reliable closers in the game.

The Importance of Having the Best Closer in Baseball

Having a reliable closer is essential to a team’s success. They can help maintain its lead and secure a win. Chapman’s impact on the New York Yankees is undeniable. He has closed out games, ensuring that the opposing team does not mount a comeback. Chapman has played a crucial role in the teams success.

When compared to other teams with strong closers, the Yankees are among the best. In the American League, only the Tampa Bay Rays and the Chicago White Sox have a better record when leading going into the ninth inning. Having a reliable closer like Chapman ensures that the Yankees can stay at the top of the game and bag a win.

The Pitcher’s Closing Approach

Chapman’s unique approach to closing games is what makes him stand out from other closers. His pitching mechanics and strategy are second to none. Chapman’s fastball is his signature pitch and he uses it to devastating effect. He can throw the with serious accuracy at incredible speeds.

In addition to his fastball, Chapman has a slider that is effective against both right and left-handed hitters. Chapman’s strategy is simple. He relies on his fastball to get ahead of hitters, and then finishes them off with his slider.

When compared to other notable closers in baseball, Chapman’s approach to pitching is unique. He relies heavily on his fastball and he throws it more than any other pitcher in the game. While other closers use a variety of pitches to keep hitters off-balance, Chapman’s approach is simple but highly effective. He knows what works for him and he executes it to perfection.

Chapman’s Mentality

Being a closer in baseball is not just about having the right physical tools. A closer must be able to stay focused and composed in high pressure situations. Chapman has demonstrated time and again that he has what it takes to thrive in these situations

Chapman’s approach to the game is focused and determined. He has a warrior mentality and a never-say-die attitude. He can block out distractions and stay focused on the task at hand. Chapman’s mental toughness is one of the reasons why he can consistently perform at a high level.

Best Closer in Baseball, Yankee Impact

Chapman’s impact on the Yankees cannot be overstated. He has been an integral part of the team’s success. His ability to close out games has helped the Yankees maintain their position as one of the top teams in the American League.

Chapman’s impact goes beyond his on-field performance. He is also a leader in the clubhouse. HIS work ethic and dedication to the game have been an inspiration to his teammates. He leads by example and sets the tone for the team.

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite being one of the best closers in baseball, Aroldis Chapman has faced his fair share of challenges and criticisms over the years. One of the most significant criticisms is his inconsistency. While he can throw over 100 mph and strike out batters with ease, he has struggled with control issues at times. Chapman has had stretches where he has struggled to locate his pitches, leading to walks and blown saves.

Chapmans performance in the play offs is another criticism he often faces. While he has been successful in the regular season, Chapman has had some notable failures in the postseason. In 2016, he blew a save in Game 7 of the World Series while pitching for the Chicago Cubs. In 2019, he allowed a game-tying home run in Game 6 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros, which ultimately led to the Yankees’ elimination from the playoffs.

How Chapman has overcome these challenges

Despite these challenges, Chapman has been able to overcome them and continue to be one of the best closers in the game. To address his consistency issues, Chapman has worked with pitching coaches to refine his mechanics and improve his control. He has also made adjustments to his approach on the mound, including mixing in more off-speed pitches to keep batters off balance.

Chapman has also been working to improve his performance in the playoffs. He has acknowledged that the postseason is a different animal and has been making changes to his preparation and mindset heading into October. He has also been working to improve his pitch selection in high-pressure situations.

Different Closer, Same Challenges

Other closers in baseball have faced similar challenges to Chapman. Mariano Rivera, one of the greatest closers of all time, struggled with control issues early in his career before adjusting and becoming more consistent. Like Chapman, Rivera also had his struggles in the playoffs. He was however able to overcome them and become a postseason hero for the Yankees.

Craig Kimbrel, another dominant closer, has also faced criticism for his postseason performance. He has blown several saves in the playoffs, including in Game 4 of the 2018 World Series while pitching for the Boston Red Sox. Kimbrel has acknowledged his struggles and has been working to adjust his approach in the postseason.

Overall, while Chapman has faced criticisms and challenges throughout his career, he has been able to overcome them and continue to be one of the best closers in the game. His ability to make adjustments and improve his game is a testament to his dedication and work ethic. As he continues to compete at a high level, Chapman’s impact on the game of baseball will continue to be felt for years to come.