The New York Yankees’ bullpen could be very scary in 2016.
The Yankees have acquired All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds, according to multiple reports. YES Network’s Jack Curry was the first to report Monday that the Yankees were on the verge of landing the hard-throwing left-hander.
New York surrendered four minor leaguers in the deal.
The trade comes just weeks after the Los Angeles Dodgers were believed to be on the verge of trading for Chapman at the Major League Baseball winter meetings. That deal fell through, however, after domestic violence allegations against Chapman surfaced.
The addition of Chapman, a four-time All-Star who has saved at least 33 games each of the last four seasons, will give the Yankees a dynamic late-inning trio if New York keeps both Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances. The Kansas City Royals have had great success with an excellent bullpen the last two seasons, so it’s unsurprising to see other teams, like the Yankees, considering similar blueprints.
Chapman, who turns 28 in February, posted a 1.63 ERA in 65 appearances spanning 66 1/3 innings last season. He struck out 15.7 batters per nine frames.
UPDATE (10 p.m. ET): The Yankees confirmed the deal.
Thumbnail photo via Frank Victores/USA TODAY Sports Images
