With the New York Yankees making several offseason moves to bolster their roster, some of their current talents are primed for big years in 2019. One such name is Aroldis Chapman, who, despite troubles in his knee in 2018, will again be looked upon to anchor another dominant Yankees bullpen.
2018 Stats (New York Yankees):
55 Games, 3-0, 2.45 ERA, 32 Saves, 93 SO, 51.1 IP, 1.052 WHIP, 1.7 WAR
Despite slightly diminished velocity in 2018, Chapman had an excellent season, blowing only two of his 34 save opportunities all year. He also struck out a career-high 16.3 SO/9 and was named to his fifth all-star team. All of this occurred while battling tendonitis in his left knee, fighting through the pain for much of the season before finally being put on the Disabled List in late August.
Part of his decreased velocity could possibly be blamed on the knee issue. In his final appearance before landing on the DL against Miami, he threw just six pitches, with an average velocity of 96 MPH, his lowest since 2013.
With an entire offseason to rest the injured knee, Chapman should see himself get closer to returning to the velocity that made him elite. If he can, then along with a bullpen that includes Dellin Betances, Zach Britton, and Adam Ottovino among others, it will be extremely difficult for teams to beat the Yankees late in games.
It’s important to note that after 2019, Chapman could opt out of his five-year, 86 million dollar contract, signed in December 2016. But with another slow trend in free agency, plus his supposed love of pitching in the Bronx, he may shut down the ninth inning until after the 2021Â season.