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. Also, the Yankees already have one of the best bullpens in baseball so giving up Chapman isn’t going to hurt too much. They have an impressive lineup, but their pitching staff has needed a bit of help.
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For Chapman, perhaps baseball’s most dominating closer, the Cubs surrendered four players to the New York Yankees – including an elite prospect, shortstop Gleyber Torres. The Yankees will also receive outfielder Rashad Crawford to round out the whole transaction.
Due to the two remaining years on his contract, Miller will bring the Yankees back quite the haul if they decide to move him. If the Cubs can get to the seventh inning with the lead, things will be incredibly hard for opposing lineups.
The 28-year-old is 3-0 this season with a 2.01 earned run average and 20 saves in 31 games, with 44 strikeouts and eight walks. Those numbers show exactly why Epstein wanted Chapman.
Chapman quickly turned into one of baseball’s most dominant relievers when he broke into the majors in 2010 with Cincinnati. He was reportedly unwilling to have extension talks with the Yankees, so the Cubs will be aggressive to attempt to keep the left-hander at Wrigley Field for longer than just this season. However, there will have to be a deletion from the 25-man roster for Chapman and the obvious choice there is Clayton Richard, who will likely be designated for assignment.
The Cubs championship drought is well-documented, but it appears Theo Epstein is getting behind his talented young hitters and veteran pitchers and going all-in. Those three are known to be part of the trade with a possibly more players to be added to that list. “They’re fighting to get that ring, so it might be a good experience for me to be there”.
“As you know, earlier this year I accepted and served a 30-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my actions of October 30, 2015”. They have the offense and the starting pitchers, but the Cubs were lacking that power arm to come out of the bullpen and close games.
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“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”, said Chapman. Does his presence make them the World Series favorites?
