It took four minor league prospects for the Yankees to acquire flamethrower Aroldis Chapman, solid prospects, although not the untouchable Judge, Bird or Sanchez.
Never one to count out the Evil Empire, it was eerily quiet on the Yankee front during the Baseball Winter Meetings. A move was inevitable. However, the Steinbrenners couldn’t pass up a chance to bolster their already stacked bullpen. The addition of Chapman all but places a shiny bow on a package that is arguably the best bullpen in the game. Chapman joins Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances. Combined these men have the top three strikeout totals for relievers in 2015.
The acquisition of Chapman does not come without concerns, however. The Dodgers were thisclose to acquiring Chapman during the Winter Meetings, however, backed out when allegations of domestic abuse against the lefty surfaced. The Dodgers were not the only team with an eye on Chapman, however, the Yankees were the only team to bite the bullet to take a flyer on the hard-throwing Cuban.
When asked about the drama surrounding Chapman and the risk involved, Hal Steinbrenner wrote in an email, “I approved the trade after significant thought and research, as I do with any significant trade.” Commissioner Manfred takes domestic abuse allegations seriously and rightfully so. The NFL has dropped the ball on a variety of issues over the last few years, most involving domestic abuse. MLB would prefer to be the anti-NFL handling issues with the utmost care while declaring that behavior like this will not be tolerated.
Commissioner Manfred takes domestic abuse allegations seriously and rightfully so. The NFL has dropped the ball on a variety of issues over the last few years, most involving domestic abuse. MLB would prefer to be the anti-NFL handling issues with the utmost care while declaring that behavior like this will not be tolerated.
There is no doubt that the Steinbrenners have all the facts and have consulted with legal representatives regarding the facts fo the case. Chapman will be suspended, but it is likely the suspension will be somewhere in the 10-20 game range, giving Chapman plenty of time to make a good impression with his new team.
He does not have a reputation for being a great clubhouse guy and has been known to hit the party scene hard. He is now front and center in a serious matter of domestic abuse. Not exactly role model material. It comes as no surprise that multiple teams passed on him after the allegations surfaced.
He is due to become a free agent after the 2016 season, which could be affected if there is a lengthy suspension. If Chapman is wise, he will do what he has to do to redeem himself. The Yankees took a gamble. After all, the Yankees have had their eye on Chapman for years. Why not? He is a game changer. The upside is great, the downside, they lost four mid level prospects, no sleepless nights there.
Chapman has been given a second chance. What he does with that second chance, only time will tell.
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