We have spent a lot of time discussing how the New York Yankees’ Aaron Judge is head and shoulders above everybody else when it comes to offensive performance and power.
But just like he was dominant with the bat, others dominated with their arms.
This is the case of New York Mets closer Edwin Diaz.
Not only did he have a mind-blowing 1.31 ERA in 62 frames, but his strikeout ability was way, way better than the rest of the competition.
All we have to do is look at the strikeout percentages of him and the rest of the elite.
“Best strikeout percentages, MLB relievers in 2022: Edwin Díaz, 50.2% . . . . . . . . . Devin Williams, 40.0% Ryan Helsley, 39.3% Andrés Muñoz, 38.7% José Alvarado, 37.9%,” Codify Baseball tweeted.
Best strikeout percentages, MLB relievers in 2022:
Edwin Díaz, 50.2% 🔥🎺🔥
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Devin Williams, 40.0%
Ryan Helsley, 39.3%
Andrés Muñoz, 38.7%
José Alvarado, 37.9% https://t.co/Jbh1KsK8kJ— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) October 6, 2022
For relievers, anything above 30 is considered elite.
Striking out 40 percent of the hitters you face is incredible.
An Unbelievable Strikeout Rate
Fanning over half of the batters you face (50 percent or more) is nasty, crazy.
Just imagining a pitcher capable of whiffing over half of the hitters he sees makes you salivate over that hurler’s potential.
Diaz’s 102-103 mph fastball and wipeout slider are just too much to handle for opposing hitters.
When his command is on, he is a true beast, and is impossible to hit against.
This year, he has been in complete command of his filthy arsenal, and his 0.90 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) is one of the best marks in history.
As long as Diaz is healthy, the Mets will have a chance against the San Diego Padres and every other potential foe.
The Mets’ middle relief is not particularly great, but with Diaz available and without too many innings in his arm this year, they will protect any advantage with their life.
NEXT: The Mets Tab 1 Ace As The Game 1 Starter