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Chicago Cubs: Former closer Aroldis Chapman returns to the Yankees

By David Miniel

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the Chicago Cubs making a strong push to clinch the division, they were looking for an extra boost. Theo Epstein and company went out and made a controversial trade. In exchange for top prospects.

We all knew this was going to happen. Just a few months ago, the Chicago Cubs acquired southpaw Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees. A trade that angered those who know his troubled past.

On the business side, Chapman’s arm made sense. Giving Joe Maddon the hard-throwing closer that this team needed to close out games and ultimately, get them a World Series. That’s exactly what Chapman did.

Sure, Chapman gave up a game-tying homer to Rajai Davis. The fact is, Chapman was overworked leading up to that moment.

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Having to work six outs at a time caught up to the veteran southpaw. Each runner that he inherited ended up scoring at some point with him on the mound. Either way, the Cubs emerged as World Series champions.

At the end of the day, we’re thankful that someone with such a tainted name was able to help our Cubs end the curse. For that, we are thankful, again.

On the other hand, the pieces that we gave up for a few months of his time as a little too much to chew. Both Billy McKinney and Gleyber Torres didn’t quite make sense considering Torres was Chicago’s best prospect.

Predictable Return

A deal involving Torres and Chapman should have been the initial trade. Instead, the Cubs had to give up something extra to seal the deal. Once the postseason was over, it was clear Aroldis was ready to return to New York.

According to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, Chapman, and the New York Yankees have reunited with a five-year deal worth $86 million. In addition to his deal, Rosenthal reported that Chapman has a three-year opt-out clause with a full no-trade over the course of the first three years as well.

Also, there is a limited no-trade in the final two years of his contract. Interesting enough, he is making sure that he will not be traded to a team in California. Sorry San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Angels, and Oakland Athletics fans.

It appears that you will not have Chapman on your roster for as long as he is a big league pitcher.

Next: Cubs playoff shares arrive just in time

Alright, well we know that the Cubs have already moved on. They made another trade of their own, shipping Jorge Soler out to Kansas City for Wade Davis. Someone the Cubs had on their radar prior to acquiring Chapman.

Only that time, the asking price was Kyle Schwarber. Best of luck to both Soler and Chapman with their new teams.

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