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What We Know About the New York Yankees Offseason Strategy

By Evan Halpine-Berger

Oct 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the ninth inning during game two of the 2016 NLDS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 24, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers a pitch during the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Signing Aroldis Chapman

It seems all but certain at this point that Aroldis Chapman will end up back in pinstripes in 2017. Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball recently reported that New York will pursue the top two closers on the market- Chapman and Kenley Jansen.

While Jansen would also be a solid addition, all signs point to the Yankees reuniting with their former closer at some point this season. He’s younger, better, and will not require the team to surrender the 17th overall pick in next year’s draft.

They can also feel pretty confident about Chapman’s health, as well as his ability to pitch in New York and the AL East after his strong first half performance in 2016.

With Mark Teixeira’s $23 million annual salary coming off the books this winter, the Yankees should have no problem offering Chapman a record breaking contract, probably something in the neighborhood of five years $75-90 million.

It is pretty clear from the organization’s recent history that the front office loves having a shutdown bullpen. I can’t remember the last time New York came into a season without at least two top notch late-inning relievers on the roster.

Next: New York Yankees 2016 Season Awards

It also doesn’t hurt that Chapman seemed to enjoy his time playing on the country’s biggest stage and has said multiple times before and after being traded that he would welcome a return. Unless another club is determined to outbid the Bombers, this seems like a lock to happen.

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