On a day when potential suitors for Edwin Encarncion appear to be dwindling and Bryce Harper proclaimed himself to be looking for $400 million over ten years when he enters the free agent market, it took Aroldis Chapman only a few words to sum up his outlook on his own free agency. And maybe they should be words to the wise for players who think otherwise.
Speaking to ESPN , Aroldis Chapman was talking about the difference between what’s been reported and what he actually wants in his deal, he says, “I believe he who deserves something does not need to demand it.”
“I believe he who deserves something does not need to demand it.”
Some might consider those words heresy and suggest that Aroldis Chapman is in serious need of counseling. But how refreshing is it to hear that he has his feet bolted to the ground in knowing that the Yankees, or whoever the team is that he eventually signs with, will pay him the full value of his talent and there’s no need to bang the war drums the way we see the Nationals and Bryce Harper doing now.
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And some would say that Chapman is naive and he’d better watch himself in the dog eat dog world that we call professional baseball because the Yankees will take every penny they can from him. But the truth is that the Yankees will pay him every penny he’s worth and, unless they need to retake Business 101, not a penny more.
Chapman also knows that he is about to shatter the record contract given to a closer that was just shattered yesterday when Mark Melancon agreed to a deal with the Giants worth $62 million over four years.
And he also knows that the greatest closer of all time, Mariano RIvera made $160 million over his entire career and by all accounts is living rather well in retirement.
Because Chapman also knows that if he takes care of himself and stays healthy and fit, this will not be the last contract he signs as a major league player. And down the road, there will be another opportunity to add to his treasury – if he wants to.
But at the same time, he also knows that the contract he is about to sign will set the stage for virtually everything that will happen for him the rest of his life. It’s a one time offer only and the opportunity to make $100 million will not come along again. It’s just that maybe he also realizes that if Mariano RIvera had only made $145 million in his career, he would still be enjoying a comfortable retirement.
Aroldis Chapman And Bryce Harper: A Sea Of Different Styles
The Bryce Harper’s of the world clearly have a different perspective on free agency and life in general than the one we see expressed by Chapman. Harper feels that it’s necessary to call attention to himself by placing a number on his value himself. And mind you, he’s doing this two years before he is even eligible for free agency. It’s one way to play the game, and if it works for him all well and good.
But already, his own team is balking at the asking price . Which in turn is bound to cause some serious strain on the entire team if it continues to be a talking point once the season is underway. The Nationals have always projected signs of internal conflict , and this is bound to lead to more.
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Meanwhile, Aroldis Chapman sits back and waits knowing that his day is coming. And one way or the other, he is about to become a very rich young man. Because he believes in what he said, that “he who deserves something does not need to demand it.” How refreshing is that!