New York Yankees: Aroldis Chapman Trade Reportedly Close

The New York Yankees are reportedly close to trading flame-throwing lefty Aroldis Chapman, and have reportedly made a decision on Andrew Miller’s future as well.

The New York Yankees have apparently decided if they will be buyers or sellers in the week leading up to the August 1 trade deadline, and the answer is: Something in between.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reports the Yankees have begun telling teams around the league that they are close to trading Aroldis Chapman. However, it may not be a full-fledged selloff, as Rosenthal also reports the Yankees have told teams they will keep Andrew Miller.

Miller could bring a lot in the way of a trade, because of his talent and his controllable contract, which runs through the 2018 season. But at the same time, it makes sense for the Yankees to keep Miller for those very reasons. He’s affordable when compared to other relievers, and he is a very valuable piece out of the bullpen.

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On the other hand, trading Chapman is understandable. The primary motivation here is he is a free agent after the season. With no extension in sight, the smart move is to trade Chapman now and get the best possible return for him. With the way the Yankees operate, it’s also feasible that Chapman could be traded now and then re-signed in the offseason. He will absolutely have other suitors in free agency, but that is the best possible scenario for the Yankees.

There have been several teams linked to both Chapman and Miller. Teams that coveted Miller reportedly will not be able to acquire him, but there are possibilities for Chapman. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball reported the latest suitors for Chapman: the Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, and Cleveland Indians.

All of these teams make sense for Chapman. Each is currently in first place in their respective division, and the addition of Chapman is aimed at not only finishing the season strong, but parlaying his presence into late-inning success come the playoffs. Out of the teams Heyman mentioned, the Cubs have the best farm system. However, it’ll likely come down to who offers the most for Chapman, knowing full-well that he is a rental and can leave in free agency.

The Nationals and Indians have pieces to trade, but it’ll be interesting to see if there is a hint of reluctance due to the depth of their respective systems. The Giants likely have the least to offer as far as the depth of their system goes, but if they are willing to deal pitchers Tyler Beede and/or Phil Bickford, perhaps the Yankees would be enticed.

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At this point, the Yankees’ reported plan is logical. Keeping Miller allows the team to retool going into the 2017 season, while still having a talented bullpen. Trading Chapman ensures the Yankees get more than a draft pick for an impending free agent, and presumably the door would still be open to re-signing Chapman in free agency. Chapman has 20 saves on the season, with a 2.15 ERA in 30 appearances, and is throwing harder this season than ever before. The team to acquire Chapman will get a dominant, flame throwing closer, which increases a team’s chances of winning the World Series.