Rumors are circulating that Aroldis Chapman would like to remain on the New York Yankees. He has completed the third year of a five year, $86 million deal but has an opt-out.
Chapman would like a contract extension, and one rather soon. If he doesn’t get the extension that he wants, he will become a free agent. There, he could rework a new deal with the Yankees or sign with another team.
Chapman’s great season has been overshadowed the result of the ALCS. He did give up the walkoff home run that sent the Yankees home, but won the AL Reliever of the Year.
The 31 year old was 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 37 saves. He had 85 strikeouts over just 57 innings.
He’s been forced to learn and improve offspeed pitches over the last few seasons. He still throws over 100 MPH, just not as frequently and not quite as hard. He could consistently hit 103 MPH on good days, but 101 MPH still ain’t bad.
It’s been a combination of that and more batters learning to hit extremely fast pitching that’s led to more offspeed pitches, since most high leverage relievers hit at least upper 90’s these days.
Keeping Aroldis Chapman for years to come is a great idea. I just think that the coaching staff and Aaron Boone needs to do a better job with when and how much he pitches. He has always thrived off of pitching every day, and only struggles when he doesn’t pitch for more than a few days.
Hopefully, the Yankees will be able to strike a deal with him to keep him where he wants to be.