Yankees Aroldis Chapman and Brian Cashman: A Choreographed Ballet
You have to imagine that, somewhere in the early part of July last season, the following conversation took place between Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman and Aroldis Chapman:
Cashman: “Aroldis, thanks for coming in early. I’ve got a favor to ask of you.”
Chapman: “Sure, what’s on your mind?”
Cashman: “Well, here’s the thing. I have a plan to make the Yankees younger and more athletic. And as you probably know, the Cubs are one piece away from having a solid chance to win a title this year. And they also some of the best prospects in the game today, including a shortstop who could be a game changer for us. So what I need to do is trade you to the Cubs.”
Chapman: “I’m not liking what I’m hearing at all. And I thought I was appreciated here. And besides, I love it here in New York.”
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Cashman:
“I know, I know. But listen to me. I’m going to trade you, but then I’m gonna get you back when the season is over and you’re a free agent. The Cubs don’t have to know a thing. I just need to loan you to them. And I’m gonna do the same with your teammate (Miller), except he doesn’t know it yet and we won’t be getting him back next season. So, you’ll be the man.”
Chapman:
“Well, I don’t know.”
Cashman:
“Come on, it’s only for a few weeks and you’ll have a chance to play in a World Series and increase your value. That’ll be more money I have to pay you later. We really need those kids.”
Chapman:
“Okay, but how do I know you’ll really sign me. Cause there’s no way I’m going out to the West Coast to play with the Dodgers, no matter how much money they offer.”
Cashman:
“Okay, no trade to the West Coast. We can work on that when the time comes. For now though, the only thing I have to give you is my word. Deal?”
Chapman:
“Deal. Make it happen.”
The Yankees Score Chapman – Ho Hum
It was almost too easy, wasn’t it? Everything fell into place exactly as Brian Cashman said it would. Not a hiccup or surprise in between. In storybook fashion, the Yankees deal Chapman to the Cubs receiving their number one prospect Gleyber Torres, Chapman goes to the Chicago and is instrumental in their march to a Championship, and then Brian Cashman makes good on his promise to bring him back to the Yankees. It’s gotta be a Hallmark Channel movie in the making.
Aroldis Chapman is now a member of the Yankees again for at least the next three years with a contract that will pay him $86 over the next five years. Chapman has an opt out after the first three with a full no trade clause until then. The contract also shows the Yankees versatility by including a stipulation that (you guessed it) Chapman can’t be traded to a West Coast team in years four and five if he doesn’t opt out.
There was probably some reservation by Cashman when he saw the use, and some would say the abuse, of Chapman by the Cubs, especially during the World Series, but those fears were reportedly quelled by Chapman himself and the deal was done.
Next: Cubs will discuss Arrieta extension in January
We’ll probably never know the extent of the “partnership” between Chapman and Cashman as to how it all played out. But the Yankees and their fans only need to look at the results of what transpired. Aroldis Chapman is where he wanted to be – with the Yankees. And the Yankees are where they want to be with Aroldis Chapman throwing 105mph fastballs past American League hitters for the next few years. How does it get better than that?