Yankees still believe in Chapman, but better lock down Britton just in case

For the last two winters, Yankees fans have had the image of Aroldis Chapman giving up a home run lingering in their heads. The Yankees closer has now been on the mound in the moment when their fate was sealed in two straight years. Last week it was a fastball to the Rays Mike Brosseau. Last year it was a slider to Jose Altuve.

But even with that history, which includes giving up a big home run to Rajai Davis in the 2016 World Series with the Cubs, there are no concerns about Chapman in the Yankees front office.

“I think (Chapman) is a really talented closer and exceptional at what he does,” Yankees GM Brian Cashman said during Wednesday’s 2020 season wrapup press conference. “Some end results, at least here and with the Cubs you can point to. I know when given the opportunity with victory at hand, I feel extremely comfortable — and Aaron Boone does, as well — with Chappy. He’s typically converting those and I have full confidence in Aroldis Chapman. Certainly, I’m hopeful many times next October, if we’re fortunate to qualify (for the playoffs) — we’re in the situation to hand him the ball.”

Chapman pitched in just 13 regular-season games of an already coronavirus pandemic-shortened 60game 2020 season. The 32-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 within days of arriving in New York for the second spring training. He did not return to active duty in the Yankees bullpen until Aug. 17.

The left-hander said that he never felt the symptoms of the vicious virus and was able to work out as much as possible in his New York apartment, which was obvious to anyone who follows his Instagram feed. The long-term effects of the virus are unknown and Chapman returned to games in what was effectively late spring training form. He struggled to get his velocity up at first and then struggled with his fastball command.

But he was firing 100-mile an hour fastballs by the playoffs and Chapman simply tipped his hat to Brosseau after the season-ending loss. He admitted the last two season endings have been rough, but that is the risk of his role.The Yankees will be moving forward with Chapman, but maybe his recent hiccups make it a little more imperative that they pick up the option on Zack Britton.

They have to decide whether they want to pick up what is essentially a two-year option for $27 million for Britton. If they decline to do so, Britton has the option to continue with the Yankees through 2021 at $13 million or he can become a free agent.