The New York Yankees boast one of MLB‘s deepest bullpens, and teams are reportedly starting to do their homework on reliever Aroldis Chapman in advance of the July 31 trade deadline.
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Cubs Keeping Tabs on Chapman
Sunday, June 12
According to the New York Post‘s George A. King III, the Chicago Cubs sent scout Jason Parks to Yankee Stadium over the weekend to take a look at closer Aroldis Chapman as well as star relief arms Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.
King added the Yankees “likely will listen on Miller and Chapman. Meanwhile, “dealing Betances also isn’t out of the question” if the team isn’t in prime position to clinch a playoff spot when the trade deadline rolls around.
The Chicago Sun-Times‘ Gordon Wittenmyer cited a source who said “the Cubs have made it known they’re prepared to strike early to add pitching.”
A four-time All-Star, Chapman has been solid for the Yankees since returning from a 30-game domestic violence-related suspension. Over the course of 15 appearances, he has tallied 11 saves, 21 strikeouts and just three walks while posting an ERA of 1.93.
But despite the success Chapman has experienced in a small 14-inning sample, the Yankees could conceivably ship him to the Cubs or another interested party and get some return on their investment before he becomes a free agent this winter.
According to King, “Chapman is making $11.325 million this year, is a free agent following the season and not likely to return to the Yankees.”
As for the Cubs, adding Chapman would bolster an already strong bullpen. Chicago’s relievers rank fourth in the National League with a 3.41 ERA, and their opponents’ batting average of .205 clocks in at No. 2 overall among all NL clubs.
Reliever Hector Rondon has successfully carried out all 11 of his save opportunities this year while posting a 1.40 ERA, and adding Chapman would give the Cubs a left-handed fireballer to pair with their steady right-handed reliever.
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