Miami Marlins Eyeing Yankees Closer Aroldis Chapman
The Miami Marlins are the latest National League contender to express interest in acquiring New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.
Aroldis Chapman has been one of the most discussed names on the trade market this month, with the Cubs, Nationals, Giants, Dodgers, and Rangers being linked to the Yankees closer. With his 30 game suspension behind him, Chapman has reestablished himself as one of the premier relief pitchers in the game. In his first 20 innings in pinstripes, he has struck out 31 batters while allowing just three walks, pitching to a 2.70 ERA and 1.78 FIP in that time.
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As one of New York’s impending free agents, it’s conceivable that the team could look to trade Chapman even if they remain in contention, especially since they would still have two elite late inning relievers on the roster in Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. The Yankees acquired Chapman from the Reds for a relatively modest haul this winter because of the domestic violence allegations surrounding him, but if they can ignite a bidding war next month, the return for the flame-throwing lefty could be much greater than what they paid.
Buster Olney of ESPN recently reported that the Miami Marlins are yet another potential suitor for Aroldis Chapman. The Marlins have discussed adding Chapman or Padres closer Fernando Rodney to their bullpen mix. Miami’s relief corps has been solid but unspectacular in the first three months of the season, with a 3.66 ERA that ranks 13th in MLB. Pairing Chapman with current closer A.J. Ramos (1.74 ERA and 11.03 K/9 in 31 IP) would give the club a formidable duo to finish off close games.
The Marlins came into Monday night at 41-35, three games out of the NL East and tied with the Mets for the second Wild Card spot. It’s a little strange to think that the Fish have a better chance to contend this season than the Yankees, but that’s the kind of season it’s been. With New York searching for young, controllable starting pitching, Miami could dangle top pitching prospects 2014 first rounder Tyler Kolek, 23-year old Jarlin Garcia, and 24-year-old Kendry Flores, but none are the stud that the Yanks would presumably want in a Chapman trade.
Kolek was ranked the 25th overall prospect in baseball by MLB Pipeline before the 2015 season, but underwent TJ surgery this spring. Garcia has a 4.54 ERA in nine Double-A starts this year and is viewed as a number-four guy at best. Flores has seen limited big league action the last two years (combined 4.02 ERA in 15.2 IP), but is another back-end starter. 26-year-old Adam Conley has had back-to back nice seasons in the Marlins rotation (combined 3.65 ERA and 8.1 K/9 in 150.1 innings) and could be another option if Miami is willing to deal from their big league roster. He’s controlled through 2021 and most scouts agree his success if no fluke. Maybe the Yankees could toss in Ivan Nova to replace him?
Next: Yankees Haven't Shut the Door on Extending Aroldis Chapman