Chapman agrees to reunite with Yanks
Former Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman found a spot in a most familiar bullpen — a very rich spot, too.
The hard- throwing closer agreed to a five year, $ 86 million deal to return to the New York Yankees on Wednesday night. Pending a physical, it will be the highest- priced contract ever for a relief pitcher.
Once it’s done, the 28- year- old lefty whose fastballs routinely top 100 mph would shatter the four- year, $ 62 million deal Mark Melancon signed with the San Francisco Giants just a couple days ago during the winter meetings.
Chapman was acquired by New York from the Cincinnati Reds last offseason, then missed the first 29 games of the season due to a domestic- violence suspension from Major League Baseball. The Cuban was traded to the Cubs in late July and helped them win the World Series, becoming a free agent when it was over.
Chapman went 4- 1 with 36 saves and a 1.55 ERA in a combined 59 games for the Yankees and Cubs. He struggled some in the postseason as the Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians for their first championship since 1908. In 15⅔ innings during the postseason, he struck out 21, giving up six runs and allowing several more inherited runners to score.
Chapman, 28, will slot behind Dellin Betances to work the ninth inning as the Yankees will try to shorten games behind what could be a shaky starting rotation.