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5 Reasons Why Aroldis Chapman Is The Best Closer In MLB Going Into 2016 Season

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Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports

Sure, Aroldis Chapman has his off-the-field issues at the moment, but there is no denying that he is one of the most entertaining and special athletes in MLB. Here are a few reasons why Chapman is the best closer in the league entering the 2016 season.

5. Nickname

Nickname David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
A nickname doesn’t make anybody a better player, but having a cool nickname can be a huge plus for fans (and advertising). Chapman’s nicknames could not be any more fitting -- the Cuban Flame Thrower and the Cuban Missile.

A nickname doesn’t make anybody a better player, but having a cool nickname can be a huge plus for fans (and advertising). Chapman’s nicknames could not be any more fitting -- the Cuban Flame Thrower and the Cuban Missile.

4. Consistency With Saves

Consistency With Saves Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Chapman has had 33 or more saves in the last four seasons he has been a closer. He also has only blown 18 saves in his career. It is crazy to think at one point the Reds wanted Chapman to be a starter for them.

Chapman has had 33 or more saves in the last four seasons he has been a closer. He also has only blown 18 saves in his career. It is crazy to think at one point the Reds wanted Chapman to be a starter for them.

3. Four-Time All-Star

Four-Time All-Star Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In the four seasons that Chapman was the Reds’ closer (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015), he made the All-Star team. He looks to continue that trend now that he has been penciled in as the Yankees' closer.

In the four seasons that Chapman was the Reds’ closer (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015), he made the All-Star team. He looks to continue that trend now that he has been penciled in as the Yankees' closer.

2. Consecutive Relief Appearances With A Strikeout

Consecutive Relief Appearances With A Strikeout Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Chapman holds the record for most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout with 49 consecutive games. The streak lasted from August 21, 2013 to August 13, 2014, just eight days short of an entire year.

Chapman holds the record for most consecutive relief appearances with a strikeout with 49 consecutive games. The streak lasted from August 21, 2013 to August 13, 2014, just eight days short of an entire year.

1. Fastball

Fastball Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
Not only does Chapman have the fastest fastball in MLB history (105.1 mph), he had the top 77 fastest pitches in the 2015 season. He also threw 336 pitches over 100 mph in 2015. The rest of the league had 225 combined.

Not only does Chapman have the fastest fastball in MLB history (105.1 mph), he had the top 77 fastest pitches in the 2015 season. He also threw 336 pitches over 100 mph in 2015. The rest of the league had 225 combined.

Dustin Martyn is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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