Yankees Biggest Moves (and Misses) at the Winter Meetings

Signing Aroldis Chapman

New York’s biggest move of the Meetings was obviously the five-year $86 million contract they gave to the guy generally seen as the top free agent pitcher available this offseason, Aroldis Chapman.

The Yankees have not bothered to hide the fact that the Cuban Missile was their top target since the regular season ended, and ultimately the fit made too much sense for the two sides not to reach an agreement.

Unlike the other big name free agent closers available this offseason, Chapman has already proven he can handle the transition to the more offense-friendly American League, not to mention the bright lights and media scrutiny that come with playing in the Big Apple.

By all accounts, Chapman loved his time in the Bronx and had zero issues on or off the field despite his history. I definitely have some qualms about cheering for a guy with any hint of domestic violence issues surrounding him, but what’s done is done at this point. If he can turn over a new leaf and put this behind him, I guess I will have to as well. I can’t see ever being a huge fan of him though.

The opt-out after year three of the contract actually makes me like the deal considerably more, because it means the Yankees are likely to get Chapman’s age 29-31 seasons before allowing another team to sign him for his decline years.