Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman destroying baseballs is wild to watch

If you asked us five years ago, “In which manner is Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman most likely to destroy a baseball?” we would’ve responded, “Probably by throwing a fastball so hard it breaks the sound barrier and pops.”

Hell, if you’d asked us the same question one year ago, we might’ve said, “Who cares? That guy is eternally frustrating. Why haven’t we traded him yet?”

Chapman, who negotiated a full no-trade clause into his post-2019 contract adjustment (thanks, Yanks!), will likely be in New York for one final season in 2022 — whenever the season occurs.

In an effort to stay in the Bombers’ good graces, his latest workout video makes it seem like he’s taken to helping out the offense himself, destroying baseballs from the left side of the plate.

No, seriously, he’s, uh … he’s actually got a stick.

CC Sabathia used to look plenty intimidating at the plate, too, don’t get us wrong. But we’ve never seen anything like what Chapman’s using his ferocity for at the moment.

Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman is destroying home runs at the plate.

Truly, we did not know Chapman had this type of fire in him. Unfortunately, the DH has now been installed … universally. Tough break, man.

The Cuban Missile recently celebrated his 34th birthday, and is entering the final year of a three-year, $48 million contract clearly trying to change things up in order to usher in a new era.

Last season, his “new trick” was a splitter that exceeded 90 MPH and was nearly unhittable, leading to one of the most dominant Aprils of Chapman’s entire career. Unfortunately, that faded fast; Chapman suffered a mysterious and lingering finger issue and never really went back to that well as he hit a wall in June and July.

You know what’s probably only slightly better for a finger than throwing an experimental splitter? Destroying home runs with a devil-may-care swing. Just something to think about as the left-hander plays for his next contract.

The Short Porch at Yankee Stadium likely is tempting, but what about Pesky’s Pole over at Fenway? Even shorter distance. Just saying.

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