Report: Yankees agree to 5-year, $86M deal with Chapman
Aroldis Chapman is returning to the Bronx.
The New York Yankees and the All-Star closer reportedly reunited on Wednesday night by agreeing to a reported five-year, $86-million contract, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports. It would be the largest contract ever handed out to a reliever, breaking the previous record of four years and $62 million, set just two days ago by Mark Melancon and the Giants.
Chapman's contract will also include a full no-trade clause for the first three years of the deal, a limited no-trade list during the last two years, and an opt-out clause after Year 3 in 2019, reports Rosenthal. In addition, Chapman cannot be dealt to any team in the state of California at any time, according to ESPN's Marly Rivera.
LARGEST CONTRACTS FOR RELIEVERS
| Year | Pitcher | Team | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Aroldis Chapman | Yankees | 5 Years-$86M* |
| 2016 | Mark Melancon | Giants | 4 Years-$62M |
| 2012 | Jonathan Papelbon | Phillies | 4 Years-$50.58M |
| 2006 | B.J. Ryan | Blue Jays | 5 Years-$47M |
| 2015 | David Robertson | White Sox | 4 Years-$46M |
| 2008 | Francisco Cordero | Reds | 4 Years-$46M |
(*Deal is not yet official)
Chapman revealed late Wednesday night that his decision came down to New York and the Miami Marlins, who reportedly made a big push for the flame-throwing Cuban. In the end, the pull of returning to Yankee Stadium - where he spent part of last season before a deadline deal to the Chicago Cubs - won out.
"Every player dreams of being a Yankee, and if they don't it's because they never got the chance," Chapman told Rivera. "I love the (Yankees) organization. They welcomed me with open arms and that's why I decided to go back, I was hoping I had a chance to go back and it happened."
The Yankees first acquired Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds last winter for four minor leaguers. After opening the season with a 30-game suspension for a domestic violence incident, the 28-year-old posted a 2.01 ERA, recorded 20 saves, and struck out 44 batters to just eight walks as part of a three-headed bullpen monster with Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.
The trade that sent him to the Cubs at the deadline brought four prospects back to New York, including second baseman Gleyber Torres, who's now the team's No. 2 prospect per MLB Pipeline. Both sides benefited from that transaction: While New York got a head start on its rebuild and acquired several promising young players, Chapman solidified the Cubs' bullpen down the stretch and played a major role in the franchise's first World Series championship in 108 years.
In seven big-league seasons, Chapman owns a 2.08 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 636 strikeouts, and 182 saves. The Cuban has made four All-Star appearances, all of them coming with Cincinnati.
In addition to the Marlins, the Los Angeles Dodgers were also chasing Chapman's services, while the Washington Nationals reportedly made a late entry into the derby on Wednesday.