Dellin Betances, the New York Yankees' vaunted setup man, has notched more strikeouts over the last two seasons than any reliever in the majors, routinely overpowering his opponents with a devastating slider and a fastball that hovers around 98 mph.
Still, the 27-year-old admitted that his velocity pales in comparison to Aroldis Chapman, the newest addition to a Yankees bullpen that's poised to torment the American League in 2016.
"I think he throws about 5 mph harder than I do," Betances told Dan Martin of the New York Post earlier this week. "It’s gonna be fun watching the scoreboard to see what number he hits. I think this bullpen is gonna electrify New York."
Acquired Monday from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for four minor-leaguers, Chapman's unparalleled velocity - over the last two seasons, his fastball has averaged almost 101 mph - has fueled a career 2.17 ERA (1.97 FIP) and a 42.9 percent strikeout rate, the best in MLB history.
"Chapman has a presence on the mound that no one else does because he can hit 103 (mph)," one scout said. "He gets in hitters' heads."
Though Chapman is facing a potential suspension for his role in an alleged domestic incident, Betances couldn't help but fantasize about setting up both the four-time All-Star and veteran left-hander Andrew Miller, who will likely be deposed as the team's closer despite collecting 36 saves with a 2.04 ERA (2.16 FIP) last season.
"I can envision a scenario where we all come in and strike out the side," Betances said. "It’s going to be crazy."
Player | WAR | ERA | K% | WHIP |
---|---|---|---|---|
Chapman | 7 | 2.05 | 45.3% | 1.02 |
Betances | 5.6 | 1.71 | 39.5% | 0.93 |
Miller | 4.6 | 2.09 | 40.3% | 0.94 |