Jon Heyman: Yankees, Aroldis Chapman Discussing Possible Reunion
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The Yankees are already discussing a possible reunion with closer Aroldis Chapman.
According to Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball and WFAN, the Yankees prefer Chapman over the Dodgers' Kenley Jansen because of their familiarity with Chapman and the fact that signing the flame-throwing closer would not cost them a draft pick.
The Yankees acquired Chapman in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds last December. The Bronx Bombers then flipped him to the Cubs in July for three prospects and relief pitcher Adam Warren.
Chapman, 28, had a 1.55 ERA and 36 saves with the Yankees and Cubs this past season. He was suspended for the first 29 games of the year under Major League Baseball's new domestic violence policy.
Other teams seeking a closer include the Dodgers, Giants, Cubs and Nationals.
Before being traded, Chapman told reporters he was happy and comfortable with the Yankees and would like to re-sign with the team. However, it's unclear if those feelings have changed any in the months since. Heyman, however, reported that Chapman is grateful that the Yankees took a chance on him following his arrest on domestic violence charges last October. Prosecutors did not proceed with the case, citing conflicting accounts and insufficient evidence.
If it ultimately comes down to money, that bodes well for the Yankees, too. Chapman, whose fastball has been clocked as high as 105 mph, is expected to fetch $15 million to $18 million a year on the open market.
The Yankees are in the market for a closer after Dellin Betances struggled in the role after Chapman and Andrew Miller were dealt away. Other options include Jansen and the Nationals' Mark Melancon, a former Yankee. New York could also pursue a trade, possibly for the Royals' Wade Davis. And as Heyman noted, the Yankees also attended a workout by former Royals closer Greg Holland, who is missed last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Because the Dodgers made a $17.2 million qualifying offer to Jansen, any team that signs him would have to forfeit their top unprotected draft pick in 2017. The top 10 selections in the draft are protected.
Meanwhile, the Yankees have reached out to free agent Kendrys Morales, the New York Post reported. The Yankees are eyeing Morales, who hit .263 with 30 homers and 93 RBIs for the Royals this past season, as their designated hitter, but only if they're able to trade away catcher Brian McCann, according to the report.
Free agents were able to begin signing with teams Tuesday.
