NL Central leaders reel in Chapman

The Cubs acquired hardthrowing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the Yankees on Monday, giving the National League Central leaders a boost as they try for their first World Series title in more than a century.

The Cubs paid a steep price, parting with top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, minorleague outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford and versatile pitcher Adam Warren. Chapman, who faced a domestic violence allegation in the offseason that cost him a 29-game suspension, is eligible for free agency after this season.

“Obviously we are aware of the circumstances surrounding Aroldis Chapman’s suspension earlier this season,” Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said. “I shared with him the high expectations we set for our players and staff both on and off the field. Aroldis indicated he is comfortable with meeting those expectations.”

There is no doubting the talent of the 28-year-old Chapman, who went 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves in 31 games with the Yankees. He threw a 105.1 mph fastball to the Orioles’ J.J. Hardy last Monday night, matching the fastest since Major League Baseball began tracking speeds in 2008.

All-Stars Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances are still at the back of the Yankees bullpen, allowing them to trade Chapman now and still consider trying for the postseason depending on how they fare ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.

“This was an easy call and the right call,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “Easy because we traded from an area of strength, and we are excited with the players we received for a player who was only under (our) control for two more months.”