The New York Yankees seem to be recruiting their former players this MLB offseason. After earlier reports that they've been chasing Carlos Beltran, they are now targeting Aroldis Chapman and bring back the right-hand pitcher into their roster.
Chapman played for the Yankees for 31 games last 2016 season. He had 2.01 ERA, 44 strikeouts, 20 saves and a 0.89 WHIP during that time. But eventually, he was traded by the Yankees to the Chicago Cubs midway through the season Rashad Crawford, Gleyber Torres, Billy McKinney, and pitcher Adam Warren.
And it seems the trade was beneficial for him. He helps the Cubs avoid elimination in game 5 of 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians and help the MLB team close out game 7 on their way to winning the title. And now, recent reports are saying that when Chapman was asked if he is interested in going back to the Bronx and answered that he would 'love to be a Yankee again'.
According to New York Post, the "love" is mutual between the New York Yankees and Aroldis Chapman and both are interested in having a reunion for next year season. Chapman already expressed his gratitude to the Yankees for taking a chance on him when he was banned by MLB for the first 30 games but still trusted him to play.
The report also says that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman also expressed the same sentiments saying that they want Chapman back to the team. And since Chapman was traded during a regular season, it won't cost a draft pick to the Yankees making him special.
On the separate report by The Inquisitr, aside from Chapman, the Yankees are also targeting big hitters like Edwin Encarnacion, Jose Bautista and Yoenis Cespedes in the trade market. But the big priority for them is to get a player to man the bullpen and that's where Chapman will step in.
However, some analyst is saying that Chapman is looking for a long-term contract speculating around $100 million over five years. And that could be a concern for the Yankees as they are dealing with salary issues as of late. But it will all depend on the collective bargaining agreement that the MLB league will release for next year if the Yankees will go for Chapman or not.
Can the New York Yankees bring back right-hand pitcher Aroldis Chapman this offseason?
