He is a free agent after the season, so it would make sense for the Yankees, as potential sellers, to see what they could get for him. They traded Chapman for a discounted package as he was facing a domestic-violence investigation. Interestingly, they also get pitcher Adam Warren. He threw a 105.1 miles per hour fastball to Baltimore’s J.J. Hardy last Monday night, matching the fastest since Major League Baseball began tracking speeds in 2008.
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The Dodgers had two aces this time past year: Clayton Kershaw, now on the disabled list with no timetable to return, and Zack Greinke, who signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks when the Dodgers would not match Arizona’s $206.5-million contract offer.
Chapman fills one of the few remaining holes on a loaded Chicago roster – that of an experienced left-handed late-inning reliever – as the first-place Cubs improve their chances to win their first World Series title since 1908. Rondon will slide into a set-up role, as Chapman will obviously be the closer. I regret that I did not exercise better judgment and for that I am truly sorry.
“I want to thank the New York Yankees for trusting and supporting me, and I wish nothing but the best for the Yankees organization and my former teammates”, Chapman said.
Chapman saved 146 games with a 2.17 ERA in six years with the Reds before he was traded to NY last December after a deal with the Dodgers fell through when it was learned Florida police investigated an accusation of domestic violence involving the Cuban. “Finally, my family, this team and Major League Baseball take the issue of domestic violence very seriously and support efforts to reduce domestic violence through education, awareness and intervention”. My girlfriend and I have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, to raise our daughter together, and would appreciate the opportunity to move forward without revisiting an event we consider part of our past. But it wasn’t until they spoke with Chapman on Monday that they were ready to complete the deal. “He’s open about the fact that he’s learned from the incident and that he feels he’s grown as a person and will continue to grow as a person and that was important to us”. But, the Cubs always find a way to blow it in the postseason so I have faith they’ll be chasing that they’re first world series in 109 years next year.
While Nova has yet to recapture that success in the years since, the Dominican Republic native could attract interest from a team looking to add a starter ahead of Major League Baseball’s August 1 non-waiver deadline.
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It is also worth mentioning that with Torres and McKinney out of the picture, catcher – and now outfielder – Willson Contreras is the Cubs’ new No. 1 overall prospect. This move was definitely a win for the Yankees.
