Fansided

MLB free agency 2017: 5 potential teams for Aroldis Chapman

By Joshua Sadlock

Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers against the St. Louis Cardinals during the ninth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) looks on from the dugout against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker (12) looks on from the dugout against the Miami Marlins in the seventh inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Washington Nationals

The Nats were extremely interested in acquiring Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds last winter when he was on the trading block. The Jonathan Papelbon experiment never worked out in Washington, and he was eventually released. Mark Melancon was acquired at the trade deadline, but the prospect of reuniting Chapman with Dusty Baker will be very attractive for the Nationals.

From an affordability standpoint, the Nationals and Chapman seem like a match. Last winter, Washington was busy making massive offers to Jason Heyward and Yoenis Cespedes. After the offers were made, it was revealed that the contracts would have included massive amounts of deferred money. For the past few years, the Nationals have been kicking payroll down the road while they wait for their TV rights lawsuit with the Baltimore Orioles to finally reach a conclusion.

Baker has a reputation for being fiercely loyal to his players, and he and Chapman have history from their days with the Reds. At the end of the day, the closer is likely going to sign with the team that offers him the most money. The Nationals can be that team, but will they have to defer a significant portion of their offer? That could be the deciding factor for Chapman.

Home/MLB Free Agency