New York Yankees: Aroldis Chapman wins reliever of the year award

New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman
Jun 18, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) celebrates after the final out against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Even though Aroldis Chapman’s last pitch of the season sent the Astros to the World Series and the New York Yankees home, he consistently dominated during the season. As a result, he was given the American League’s best reliever award. Josh Hader of the Milwaukee Brewers won the National League award.

Chapman posted a 2.21 ERA this season in over 57 innings pitched, with 37 saves on the year. Not only did he win this award, but he also was apart of the All-Star game where he closed out the win for the American League team.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Op2_zOi1MM&t=9s

In his ten years playing in the show, Chapman has seven seasons with at least 30 saves – an incredible feat. He’s been one of the premier closers in the game for several years now, feared for his high-heat fastball. However, knowing that players can now catch up to his triple-digit fastball, he’s defined a sharp slider that catches batters guessing.

Oakland Athletic’s Liam Hendricks and Osuna were runners up behind Chapman for the award in the American League, and Giants closer Will Smith followed Hader for the National League.

Chapman, a Cuban native, is a six-time All-Star in his ten-year career. At only 31 years old, he’s still got many years to terrify hitters. He’s also got a World Series ring to stand by, with the Chicago Cubs in 2016.

Chapman is signed to a 5-year/ $86,000,000 contract with a trade option coming up for the 2020 season. The New York Yankees could either keep him on the roster or let him go in a trade.