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Aroldis Chapman Yankees Rumors: Offer Made To Closer For Reunion

By Stephen Forsha
Published on: 10:51 PST, Dec 6, 2016

Aroldis Chapman and the New York Yankees are rumored to be nearing a reunion with the World Series champion closer returning to the Bronx for the foreseeable future. The one aspect of that happening this offseason is that it will cost the Yankees a lot of money.

One thing is for certain when it comes to Chapman and where he’ll end up. Chapman wants a six- year deal, as reported by Marly Rivera of ESPN.

“I just spoke to Aroldis Chapman about his contract negotiations; told me he has not evaluated any offers yet and will do so this week. Chapman: ‘The only thing I have expressed is that I would like a six-year contract. I know that doesn’t mean that I will get it, but that’s what I would like to sign.'”

Chapman was a big part of the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series this past October, a team he joined after the Yankees traded him to Chicago in August. Chapman spent just part of the 2016 season with the Yankees after they acquired him, after he spent his career with the Cincinnati Reds since 2010.

With the Yankees last season, Chapman pitched 31 games, which amounted to 31.1 innings. During that span, Chapman collected 44 strikeouts with a 2.01 ERA. When Chapman was traded to the Cubs for prospects, the closer pitched in 28 regular-season games, where in 26.2 innings pitched, he struck out 46 batters.

During the postseason for Chapman, in 15.2 innings pitched, the “Cuban Missile” struck out 21 batters, going 2-0 with four saves and a WHIP of 1.09.

The Yankees need to be careful though if they are making Chapman a priority, because another team — the Miami Marlins — are rumored to have an interest in signing a top free agent closer too, and that includes Chapman.

Los Angeles Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen and Chapman are rumored targets during this offseason, wrote Clark Spencer of the Miami Herald:

“Sources have confirmed that, at owner Jeffrey Loria’s urging, the Marlins will make a strong push to sign one of the two big-name closers.”

What does this potential competition for Chapman mean for the Yankees as they get closer to a potential deal with Chapman? It means they will most likely have to add more money to their offer to become the highest bidders. Though Chapman has denied he has asked for $100 million, it is likely he’ll receive no less than $80 million in his contract.

The Yankees still have three players on their 2017 payroll who will exceed $20 million in earnings for next season, including C.C. Sabathia, who will earn $25 million that the Yankees will pay next year. Masahiro Tanaka is due $22 million, and Jacoby Elsbury will be paid nearly $22 million next season.

Those contracts could make it tough for the Yankees to get into a big bidding war with the likes of the Marlins or possibly the Los Angeles Dodgers, as they both also are willing to spend money on big-name players.

The question that needs to be asked is do the Yankees really need to spend $80 million to $100 million on a closer for the 2017 season?

The answer is tough and could be a yes or no, but the evidence is in the standings, and last season the Yankees finished in fourth place. The Yankees need to be able to close out games against the likes of AL East rivals Toronto, Baltimore, and Boston, and to do so, a top-tier closer could help that cause.

On Tuesday, the Red Sox traded for another ace pitcher in Chris Sale, so for at least the next couple seasons the Yankees will have to compete against a trio of starters in Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello, forcing the Yankees to improve their pitching depth as well.

Though nothing has been made official, Chapman to the Yankees seems to be getting closer to a done deal and could be just the first of other moves the Yankees make this offseason.

[Featured Image by Mike Stobe/Getty Images]

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