What Will Be the New York Yankees Next Big Move?

Aroldis Chapman

The easy favorite here is the same name we’ve been hearing all winter, former Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman. Recent reports have indicated that both sides are interested in a reunion, with Chapman telling Ray Negron of NY Sports Day, “I would love to be a Yankee again,” going on to lavishly praise both the organization and the fanbase.

Last we heard, however, the front office had not made a formal offer to Chapman representatives, although they had reportedly been in touch on multiple occasions. If Jon Heyman’s report is accurate, New York presumably wouldn’t want to commit to a deal of that magnitude without first seeing what the new CBA had in store for them.

Chapman has long been seen as the Yankees top target this offseason, so it’s hard not to see a deal getting done, particularly if the closer is as partial to New York as he says.

On the other hand, the Nationals, Dodgers, and Giants are also said to be serious about pursuing Chapman, however, so there is always the chance the good guys get outbid.

A recent report by George King of the New York Post indicated that the Bombers wouldn’t be comfortable signing Chapman to a five-year $100 million deal, although it wasn’t clear whether the length of the deal, the annual value, or the total commitment was the issue there. I would assume that leak was just posturing on the part of the team.

All in all, Chapman seems the most likely guy to be the Yankees first big signing of the offseason, possibly even before the Winter Meetings kick off.