After nearly a year when the New York Yankees acquired relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman and just a few months removed when the New York Yankees traded the relief pitcher to the Chicago Cubs, Aroldis Chapman is returning to the New York Yankees. Aroldis Chapman just signed a five year, $86 million deal to reunite with the New York Yankees. The deal is the highest contract ever for a reliever in MLB history.
In an interview with ESPN's Marly Rivera on Wednesday night, Aroldis Chapman said that he loved the organization and that he was hoping to go back and play with the New York Yankees someday.
"I love the organization, they welcomed me with open arms, and that's why I decided to go back," Aroldis Chapman said. "I was hoping I had a chance to go back, and it happened."
Aroldis Chapman also added, "Every player dreams of being a Yankee, and if they don't, it's because they never got the chance."
Under the new deal, Aroldis Chapman cannot be dealt at all for the first three years of the contract. When asked to comment on that particular clause on his new contract, Aroldis Chapman just said he didn't want to think that far ahead.
"I just don't want to go that far," he said. "I did have the opportunity to stay here near my house with the Miami Marlins but no, I leaned more towards New York. I like the Bronx more."
During Aroldis Chapman's free agency period, two other teams were into consideration aside from the New York Yankees. The two teams are the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Florida Marlins. The Los Angeles Dodgers dropped out of the sweepstakes early while the Florida Marlins were in it till the very end.
Aroldis Chapman, 28, was traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Yankees nearly a year ago. During that time, Aroldis Chapman was being investigated by the police for a domestic violence incident. The left-handed reliever was never charged but was suspended for 30 days.
While with the New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman increased his trade value by pitching well and more importantly staying out of trouble. Then in July of this year, the New York Yankees traded Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs at the trade deadline. The Yankees received four, young prospects including 19 year-old Gleyber Torres who just recently won the Arizona Fall League MVP.
Aroldis Chapman originally wanted a six year deal but was still happy with his new deal.
"I wanted six years but could not get it," Aroldis Chapman said. "I'm happy with my five years."
