A blockbuster Major League Baseball trade sends star closer Aroldis Chapman from the Big Apple to the Windy City.
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The Cubs, in acquiring hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the Yankees, have received a boost as they try for their first World Series title in more than a century. The 28-year-old Cuban was 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA, 20 saves and 44 strikeouts with the Yankees this season. The move raised eyebrows at the time because most believed the Yankees had more glaring problems than their bullpen. Yes, he is a nice luxury to have, but as I pointed out when the deal was made, it was going to be almost impossible to improve on the performance of the back end of the 2015 bullpen, when sans Chapman the Yankees’ record when leading after six innings was 66-3, when leading after seven, 73-2, and after eight, 81-0.
“Chapman has pitched in only two postseasons and none since 2012, but he should know what”s at stake as he approaches free agency with the chance to help the Cubs win their first World Series since 1908.
“We’re disappointed we swung and missed in our efforts to sign him as an worldwide free agent back in the 2013 class, but certainly you keep your eyes on players you’ve liked in the past and he was definitely a target for us”, Cashman said.
With one week to go until baseball’s trade deadline, Dodgers fans wait to see if their team will do what the Chicago Cubs just did. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball first reported that Torres, Warren and McKinney were going to the Yankees, as Patrick Mooney of CSNChicago.com reported Crawford’s involvement. If that is the case, the Cubs will have given up two of their top five prospects in a deal for a two-month rental. Hector Rondon will be moved from the closer role to the set up man role.
Chapman said in a statement: “I regret that I did not exercise better judgment and for that I am truly sorry”.
The rumour mill was swirling Sunday with the Cleveland Indians, Washington Nationals and Cubs all looking likely to land the talented reliever as the Yankees offload to pick up young prospects.
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The trade reunites Warren with Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild. McKinney had a.252 batting average with 1 home run and 31 RBI’s in double A with the Tennessee Smokies.
