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MLB Winter Meetings: Five biggest winners

By Joshua Sadlock

Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 18, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) throws to first base to check on a runner agaiinst the Baltimore Orioles during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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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
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 /

3. Aroldis Chapman

Five years and $86 million for a closer seems ridiculous on many levels, but the 2016 playoffs showed it has become virtually impossible to contend for a title without an elite strikeout closer waiting in the back of the bullpen. On a baseball level, Chapman is totally deserving of the title of highest-paid reliever in league history.

On a personal level, Chapman is widely viewed as a villain, but his domestic violence case from last offseason did little to tamp down his value.

The Yankees liked what they saw from Chapman during his brief time in the Big Apple last season, and executed their dealings with him perfectly. Even though he was dealt to the Cubs at the trade deadline, the Yankees were always viewed as a logical fit once free agency began. After giving up a group of mid-level prospects to acquire Chapman last winter when his value was at its lowest, Brian Cashman flipped him for Gleyber Torres, a top-20 prospect, then re-signed him without having to surrender a draft pick.

This is not an immediate win-now move for the Yankees, but they couldn’t pass up the chance to bring Chapman back into the fold. The 2017 season may not see them return to the postseason, but the Yankees will be World Series contenders before the end of Chapman’s contract, allowing them to make the most of his abilities.

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