New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has been a regular fixture in Pinstripes for the past two seasons. As he prepares to embark on the 3rd year of his 5-year, $86 million dollar deal, this will be the most crucial year.Â
In 2017, Chapman battled injuries but overall found his ground again. He finished the season with a 3.22 ERA, 22 saves, a 1.13 WHIP and a total of 52 appearances. Then, in 2018, Chapman started off with a bang and was even named an All-Star.
Injuries have slowed Chapman down to some degree:
He was then diagnosed as having knee tendinitis and once again was placed on the DL. Chapman was not the same for the rest of the past season, yet still managed to outplay his 2017 numbers. The Yankees’ closer finished the past season with a 2.45 ERA, 32 saves, a 1.05 WHIP and a total of 55 appearances. So, throughout two years in his big deal, Chapman has been very efficient but has battled injuries and missed significant time.Â
Chapman has started 2019 off in solid fashion – settling his tendinitis and playing healthy. He is throwing “free and easyâ€. Also, he has arguably the strongest supporting cast that he has had yet. Adam Ottavino, Delin Betances and Zack (not Zach) Britton among others, all provide strong support for Chapman. He is prepared to return to his dominant form. People are questioning whether or not he is declining. The real question is if people are ready to see the rejuvenated and refurbished Cuban Missile.