With the New York Yankees sliding out of the playoff race, they are looking to unload Aroldis Chapman.
One of the marquee trades of the 2016 MLB Offseason saw the New York Yankees acquire Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds. They would send over multiple prospects in the deal.
Chapman was coming off an arrest for domestic violence and was suspended for the first 30 games of the season, so there was plenty of baggage coming with him. However, the Yankees felt he was worth the investment to fill in the closer role in their bullpen.
Well, over three months into the season, the Yankees stand at 46-46, which is fourth place in the AL East. They are 7.5 games behind the first place Baltimore Orioles and are trending down. So it seems the Bronx Bombers are going to start selling. According to Buster Olney, a player being shopped by them is Chapman.
Rival execs: NYY going full bore in shaping possible deals w/Chapman, etc.; started weeks ago, as reported. Nats, TEX, CLE, others involved.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 19, 2016
Selling Chapman could lead the Yankees to receiving some top-end prospects. Despite being a rental (he’s a free agent at season’s end), teams are always after help at the back-end of the bullpen. He could easily step in as the closer of a team like the Texas Rangers, who Olney notes as having interest. They are currently using Sam Dyson as their closer.
A trade of Chapman would allow Andrew Miller or Dellin Betances to step into the closer role. They were the incumbent 8th and 9th innings pitchers for the Yankees in 2015, so moving them to later innings in the game shouldn’t be an issue.
We’ll see where Aroldis Chapman ends up landing, as he could be one of the most likely candidates to be traded in the MLB.
For more MLB Trade Rumors coverage, check out FanSided’s MLB hub page.