3 landing spots for former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman

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The 2022 season marked a dramatic fall from grace for former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.

His season had been marked by injuries and command issues. Chapman had spent considerable time on the Injured List, losing his spot as the Yankees closer in the process. Then, when he had come back and could not be guaranteed a spot on the postseason roster, he literally took his ball and went home. His time with the Yankees ended with a whimper and a tantrum.

Three possible landing spots for former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman

Those issues notwithstanding, one has to imagine that Chapman will receive another chance. Relief pitchers are in high demand, especially those with such extensive experience in the ninth inning. He may not be the pitcher he had been a couple of years ago, but he could still be of interest for teams seeking help in the ninth inning. A one year, make good deal could be perfect for Chpaman as he looks to re-establish himself.

Aroldis Chapman should still have a solid market for his services. Let’s look at three possible landing spots for the former New York Yankees closer.

Miami Marlins

The Marlins have been desperately seeking help in their bullpen for years. Aroldis Chapman could be a temporary answer.

As it currently stands, the Marlins are set to mix and match in the ninth inning again. Tanner Scott, Dylan Floro, and Anthony Bender are the favorites to close in Miami. Since the Marlins do have designs on competing, and have said that adding to their bullpen would be important, it would not be surprising to see them add another piece to the bullpen.

Chapman could be the perfect fit. He has that experience in the ninth inning that the Marlins need, with a track record of success prior to last season. One could argue that his injuries led to those bouts of wildness and occasional periods of ineffectiveness as he was unable to get himself into a true rhthym last year.

He could also be a perfect fit from a marketing standpoint as well. The Marlins have wanted to connect to the community more. There is a large contingent of residents with Cuban descent in the Miami area. Bringing in a Cuban star such as Chapman could help with that goal.

The Miami Marlins need a closer. Aroldis Chapman may be the perfect option.

Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland A’s

The Oakland A’s were not expected to spend at all this offseason. Considering they essentially eschewed free agency last year and are in the middle of a rebuilding process, why would they?

Instead, the A’s have been surprisingly active. They have signed Jace Peterson, Aledmys Diaz, Drew Rucinski, and Trevor May, adding some desperately needed talent to the roster. At the same time, each of these contracts have been for one or two years, allowing their younger talent more time to develop without blocking their path to the majors.

The A’s still have plenty of holes to fill. One such hole would be in the ninth inning. Dany Jimenez had been the A’s closer last season prior to injuries and could get a look at that role again. One has to imagine that May will get a look at closing since he is making $7 million this year. However, a more proven closer could make sense.

Enter former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman. He would have that experience in the ninth inning that the A’s need while helping to guide possible internal candidates through the rigors of being a closer. Chapman is also likely to be relatively inexpensive, making him a perfect fit in Oakland. And, if he performs well, he could be dealt to a contender at the trade deadline.

The Oakland A’s need a closer. Aroldis Chapman would be a perfect fit to take over in the ninth inning.

(Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs

Aroldis Chapman spent all of three months with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, but his time there has to be fondly remembered.

Acquired from the New York Yankees, Chapman solidified the ninth inning as the Cubs looked to end their 108 year long World Series drought. He was excellent down the stretch, allowing just four runs, three earned, on 12 hits and ten walks over his 26.2 innings, striking out 46 batters. He had a solid run through the postseason as well and was the winning pitcher in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series despite blowing the save.

While those days are in the past, and that core is long gone, the Cubs find themselves needing a closer once more. As the roster is currently constructed, Brad Boxberger, Rowan Wick, and Manuel Rodriguez may be the favorites for the ninth inning. While Boxberger does have experience in the role, he has not been a closer since 2018 and 73 of his 82 career saves came over two seasons.

Meanwhile, the Cubs are looking to return to the postseason once more. They have always claimed that this rebuilding project is simply a matter of “reloading” instead, with their additions over the past two offseasons designed to make the Cubs more competitive. The next step may be to find a closer. Bringing Chapman back to a place where he had success and won a championship could be a great move.

The Chicago Cubs need a closer and Aroldis Chapman may be the best one available. A reunion could work out for both sides.

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