The New York Yankees made a big splash this past week with a familiar face, agreeing to a five-year deal with closer, Aroldis Chapman. The deal is worth $86 million, which is the richest contract for a reliever in league history. The contract also ensures that the 28-year-old cannot be dealt in the first three years of the deal, and excludes certain west coast teams in trades.
Chapman signed with the Yankees in free agency one year ago, prior to the 2015 campaign, but was dealt to the Chicago Cubs near the trade deadline. He would then go on to win a World Series in the Windy City, but now will return to the Big Apple.
Sources say the Yankees beat out the likes of the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers in the Chapman sweepstakes. The flame-thrower is expected to work behind Dellin Betances in the bullpen as the team's closer.
When the former Cincinnati Red signed with New York, it was tarnished by a domestic violence allegation, which ended up with the left-hander not even being charged. Although, he did accept a 30-day suspension from the MLB.
Chapman admitted that he wanted six years for his contract, but is happy to settle for the five-year deal. After staying out of trouble for the remainder of the season, and proving to be a reliable arm in the postseason, he bumped up his free agent stock to earn the money he got.
Chapman signed with the Yankees in free agency one year ago, prior to the 2015 campaign, but was dealt to the Chicago Cubs near the trade deadline. He would then go on to win a World Series in the Windy City, but now will return to the Big Apple.
Sources say the Yankees beat out the likes of the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Dodgers in the Chapman sweepstakes. The flame-thrower is expected to work behind Dellin Betances in the bullpen as the team's closer.
When the former Cincinnati Red signed with New York, it was tarnished by a domestic violence allegation, which ended up with the left-hander not even being charged. Although, he did accept a 30-day suspension from the MLB.
Chapman admitted that he wanted six years for his contract, but is happy to settle for the five-year deal. After staying out of trouble for the remainder of the season, and proving to be a reliable arm in the postseason, he bumped up his free agent stock to earn the money he got.
