Move over Aroldis Chapman: Red Sox prospect hits 105 mph

Boston Red Sox prospect Michael Kopech did something on the mound Wednesday night that we’ve only seen from Aroldis Chapman in recent years.

While pitching for the High-A Salem Red Sox of the Carolina League, Kopech threw a fastball that registered at 105 mph on two radar guns, according to Baseball America.

The 20-year-old right-hander consistently hits 100 mph, but 105 mph is rare form, even for a fireballer. And unlike Chapman, Kopech is reaching top speed as a starting pitcher.

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Kopech gave up four hits and one walk in five shutout innings while striking out eight. It was only his third start of the minor-league season after breaking his hand in a fight with a teammate during spring training.

Now, the reading from the radar guns in Salem may not be as accurate as the ones that clocked the 105 mph pitch Chapman threw in 2010. A hot gun is always a possibility at a minor-league park, as the technology isn’t at the same level as what’s found in major-league stadiums. That being said, though, the message here is clear: Watch out Chapman, Kopech is coming for your crown as the hardest-thrower around, even if the 2014 first-round pick is still probably a few years away from joining Chapman in the big leagues.

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Israel Fehr is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter. Follow @israelfehr