MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Aroldis Chapman

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Aroldis Chapman is looking for a record-breaking contract in free agency. Here are five teams who might give it to him.

Aroldis Chapman is looking to break the bank in a way that no MLB closer has ever been able to. The left-hander is reportedly seeking a $100-million deal. Jonathan Papelbon holds the current record for largest guaranteed contract for a relief pitcher at $50 million.

Chapman began breaking down towards the end of the World Series, and was relying heavily on his slider by the time Rajai Davis took him deep to tie Game 7 in the eighth inning. Joe Maddon lost trust in most of his bullpen, and used Chapman in 13 of the Chicago Cubs’ 15 playoff games. The fire-balling closer was spent by Game 7, but that will not affect his value as a free agent.

No one in the league throws harder than Chapman, and since debuting seven years ago, he’s gradually harnessed his raw velocity. His walk rate in 2016 of 2.8 BB/9 was the best of his career. As a big leaguer, Chapman has struck out a mind-boggling 43 percent of all batters he has faced.

There is no denying the baggage that comes with Chapman, and his domestic abuse case from last winter makes him one of the least-liked players in the league. Unfortunately, that will not stop teams from rewarding him for his ability to throw a baseball harder than anyone else in the history of the sport. Do not expect the Cubs to be that team, however.

Here are the five teams most likely to make Chapman the most expensive reliever in MLB history.

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

San Francisco Giants

The Giants are reportedly already setting up a meeting with Chapman, and there is no denying their need for an elite closer. Santiago Casilla eventually lost his hold on the closer’s job last season, and the rest of the bullpen was so bad that it almost cost San Francisco a postseason berth. The leaky bullpen certainly cost them the division.

San Francisco spent big on starting pitching last offseason, signing Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija. This winter, they must sign a closer, and with a limited number of teams in desperate need, GM Bobby Evans should be able to land one. How much of a premium will he place on Chapman’s astronomic strikeout numbers?

Another free agent, Mark Melancon, has been just as effective as Chapman. In fact, since 2013, Melancon has a better ERA than Chapman, and the 31-year-old closer will come at a bargain price compared to Chapman.

The Giants are being aggressive early in their pursuit of Chapman, and he should be considered their primary target for the time being. If he’s unwilling to back away from his $100 million demands, the Giants may begin looking elsewhere.

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