Yankees Add Aroldis Chapman To Their Bullpen

If you had to pick the strongest area of the New York Yankees squad last season, it would have been their bullpen. That strength will be even stronger next season, as Aroldis Chapman will be a joining a roster that already boasts relievers Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller.

“We felt this was an opportunity for us to add a big arm to our bullpen,” Yankees G.M Brian Cashman said. And on paper his plan works; adding the flame-throwing Chapman to an already strong bullpen can theoretically cut games to six innings and compensate for the team’s shaky starting rotation.

But reality is a different story. Both Major League Baseball and Florida law enforcement are still investigating a incident in which the pitcher reportedly choked his girlfriend before firing eight gunshots in his garage, sources told ESPN. Even if he avoids any charges of domestic violence, Chapman could still be suspended in relation to the handgun.

Even with that chance, however, the Yankees felt it was a risk worth taking. ESPN’s source believes he could be suspended somewhere in the area of 45 days.

That risk also lowered the Reds’ asking price; they only received four minor leaguers–Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda–in return for Chapman.

“Certainly, there are some serious issues here that are in play,” Cashman said. “I acknowledge that’s an area clearly of concern, and I think it certainly is reflective of some of the acquisition price, and there’s risk, and I understand that.”

Photo: Reds pitcher Aroldis Chapman by SD Dirk, via Wikimedia Commons