The Rangers dodged a bullet on Monday when the Los Angeles Dodgers outbid everyone else, including the Houston Astros, for prized closer Aroldis Chapman.
While the bullet term isn't literal, it isn't far off, either.
Chapman is the game's hardest thrower, having recorded the 62 fastest pitches in MLB last year, topping out at 103.92 mph. He has recorded 146 saves and posted a 2.17 ERA in his six years with the Reds, during which time he averaged 15.4 strikeouts per nine innings.
The Astros were reportedly hot on Chapman, as they seek a shutdown closer to shore up a bullpen that started the 2015 season strong but ended up being a weak link for the team that the Rangers passed in the final weeks of the year for the AL West crown.
Now, the Rangers shouldn't have to face Chapman at all in 2016, unless it's in the World Series, instead of potentially facing him double-digit times if he'd gone to Houston.
