Yankees Rumors: Aroldis Chapman Seeking Six-Year Deal

Aroldis Chapman, rumored to be the New York Yankees top free agent priority this winter, is seeking a six-year contract in the coming weeks.

Marly Rivera of ESPN spoke to former (and hopefully future) New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman about the status of his contract negotiations on Monday, and this is what he had to say:

"The only thing I have expressed is that I would like a six-year contract. I know that doesn’t mean that I will get it, but that’s what I would like to sign. There are rumors out there that I requested $100 million and that’s not true at all. I believe he who deserves something, does not need to demand it."

MLB Trade Rumors has predicted a five-year $90 million deal for Chapman this winter, while Dave Cameron of FanGraphs is even more bullish on the closer, anticipating a six-year $105 million pact. Both sites consult closely with executives and experts from around the league, so doesn’t seem like that much of a stretch that Chapman could reach both six years and a nine figure deal.

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The Yankees have publicly declared their desire to bring Chapman back to the Bronx. In a recent interview with Casey Stern on MLB Network Radio, general manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the team’s willingness to spend big to land Chapman, but also hinted there was a limit as to how far they’d be willing to go for him, telling Stern, “It’s going to be costly. We’re prepared to a degree to compete for that.”

George King of The New York Post has previously reported that New York may bow out if the bidding reaches $100 million or more. Given the number of teams reportedly pursuing Chapman, that number seems like more or less a given at this point. The Nationals, Marlins, Cubs, and Dodgers are all expected to be in the bidding as well, with Miami emerging as an aggressive dark horse bidder during the Winter Meetings.

If things get out of hand with Chapman, New York could instead turn their attention to fellow elite reliever Kenley Jansen. ESPN’s Jim Bowden listed the Yankees as one of six MLB clubs in talks with Jansen’s representatives as of Monday morning.

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New York does have one fewer free agent closer option than they did going into the meetings, as Mark Melancon signed a four-year $62 million pact with the San Francisco Giants Monday afternoon.