Reds Trade Closer Aroldis Chapman to Yankees

The Cincinnati Reds continued their housecleaning on December 28th by trading closer Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees for four minor leaguer propects. Chapman is known for throwing hard. Some fireball throwing pitchers will occasionally throw a 100 miles per hour pitch; Chapman does it routinely.

Chapman was 4-4 with a 1.63 ERA and 33 saves for the Reds in 2015. He struck out 116 in 66 1/3 innings. The Yankees now have a lights out bullpen, with a heavy emphasis on strikeouts. Chapman joins setup man Dellin Betances (131 strikeouts in 84 innings, 1.50 ERA) and 2015 closer Andrew Miller (36 saves, 2.04 ERA, 100 strikeouts in 61 2/3 innings). The question here is whether Chapman or Miller will be the closer. We’re guessing it will be Chapman. Miller has been in the majors since 2006 as both a starter and reliever, but the 2015 season was his first as a closer.

Then again, Miller may still get some closing opportunities. Chapman is being investigated for an October domestic violence incident at his home in Florida. No charges have been filed, but both the local DA and Major League Baseball are investigating and Chapman could face suspension. The incident put an end to a proposed deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers earlier in this off season.

Here’s Chapman in action at the 2015 All Star Game: