Yankees trade for reliever Chapman
The New York Yankees have acquired Cincinnati Reds left-handed flamethrower Aroldis Chapman for four prospects — pitchers Rookie Davis and Caleb Cotham, and infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda.
None of the prospects is among the Yankees’ top-shelf of so-called untouchables, a group that includes Aaron Judge, Greg Bird, Gary Sanchez and Jorge Mateo.
Chapman was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers at baseball’s winter meetings earlier this month, but a report of a domestic violence issue involving the reliever scuttled the deal. Major League Baseball is investigating and Chapman could face suspension under the league’s new domestic violence policy.
“We felt this was an opportunity to add a big arm to our bullpen, even though there are some things that are unresolved,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said in a conference call. “And we will respect that process as it plays out.”
Chapman, 27, went 4-4 with a 1.63 ERA and 33 saves for the Reds last season, with 116 strikeouts and 33 walks in 66.1 innings. Chapman, who can regularly throw his fastball in excess of 100 mph, would comprise a potentially devastating back-end bullpen trio with Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.
A’s: Oakland and pitcher Henderson Alvarez have agreed to a one-year contract. Alvarez went 0-4 with a 6.45 ERA in four starts for Miami during a 2015 season shortened by two stints on the disabled list for injuries to his right shoulder.