UPDATE (July 25, 12:35 p.m. PT): The Chicago Cubs officially acquired Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees for Gleyber Torres, Adam Warren, Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
In similar fashion to how the Chicago White Sox have operated with the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline rapidly approaching, the New York Yankees were late entrants into the trade market as sellers.
Whereas the White Sox can dangle Jose Quintana and ace Chris Sale, and the Tampa Bay Rays boast a bevy of starting pitchers who are garnering interest, the Yankees own two of baseball’s premier late-inning relievers in Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller.
While trade speculation has surrounded both left-handers, general perception held Chapman would be the first to get dealt.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were named among the teams that reportedly pursued a trade for the 28-year-old. Los Angeles had an agreement in place to acquire Chapman during the Winter Meetings but backed away after a report surfaced with details of his involvement in a domestic dispute.
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the Chicago Cubs are sending top infield prospect Gleyber Torres to New York for Chapman:
The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs have a deal in place revolving around reliever Aroldis Chapman. Sources tell Today’s Knuckleball that Hal Steinbrenner has signed off on the deal that will send Chapman to the Cubs for prospects Gleyber Torres and Billy McKinney, former Yankees pitcher Adam Warren, and possibly an additional player.
The Yankees finished off a series victory over the San Francisco Giants on Sunday and are 6-4 since the All-Star break. However, at 50-48, they remain 7.5 games back of first place in the American League East, and 4.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot.
Chapman has 20 saves in 21 opportunities this season, with a 2.01 ERA and 0.89 WHIP. His 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings are a career-low, and 36.7 strikeout percentage is the second-lowest clip of his career.
What’s remained constant is Chapman’s velocity as he recently touched 105.1 mph, tying his own record from 2010. He’s owed $5 million in remaining salary and is eligible for free agency after the 2016 season.
Although the Dodgers missed out on trading for the flamethrower at present time, they presumably will be a factor this winter. In acquiring Chapman midseason, the Cubs will not be permitted to extend him a qualifying offer, which in turn means a potential signing team won’t forfeit a draft pick.
