But Chapman is eligible for free agency after this season, NY also has All-Stars Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances in the bullpen, and its haul included top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, versatile pitcher Adam Warren and minor league outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
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OF Rashad Crawford, SS Gleyber Torres, minor league outfielder Billy McKinney, and right-handed pitcher Adam Warren were acquired by the Yankees for closer Aroldis Chapman. They have put together an offense that can outscore most opponents and a bullpen that can shut down opponents late in games. Chapman figures to slot into the closer role for the Cubs, bumping Hector Rondon into the setup position.
The Cubs have been interested in obtaining Chapman for more than a month.
“If you don”t like the sight of Chapman in a Cubs uniform, are you through, or can you still root for the Cubs to succeed? NY certainly got a good deal as well. The Yankees knew they might lose him, thereby engaging in trade talks could prove beneficial for them as they could get something out of it in the end.
Aroldis Chapman is expected to arrive Tuesday at U.S. Cellular Field to join his Cubs teammates, and the biggest greeting may come from his fellow relievers. The Daily News reported that the Yanks made the decision to deal Chapman, an impending free agent, before the start of the Giants series when Hal Steinbrenner flew up from Tampa to speak with GM Brian Cashman, agreeing with Cashman on trading Chapman after Thursday’s loss to Baltimore. While McKinney and Crawford – both minor leaguers – haven’t seen much success with the Cubs, Torres is a top prospect and prized addition to the Yankees.
Speculation circulated Monday morning that one reason why the teams had not announced the trade earlier was because the Cubs were attempting to sign Chapman to a long-term deal.
Warren was part of the deal that brought infielder Starlin Castro to NY in the off-season, shipped to the Cubs along with infielder Brendan Ryan, but faltered with his new team. He is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves this season. As a result, Chapman is on the move again, and the Yankees got themselves an elite prospect.
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Although the Cubs gave up a lot to acquire Champman, the move needed to be made. Ranked the fifth-best prospect in the Cubs’ farm system, according to MLBPipeline.com, he has posted a.252/.355/.322 slash line over 349 plate appearances, along with one home run, 12 doubles, three triples and 31 runs batted in, in 88 games played with the club’s Double-A affiliate at Tennessee.
