Jul 15, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Photo Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
A deal that would send New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs for a package including Class A shortstop Gleyber Torres was close to completion Sunday night, according to reports from ESPN and Today’s Knuckleball.
Chapman, a left-hander known for a fastball that can reach 105 mph, is one of the biggest names rumored to be on the trading block.
The 28-year-old Cuban who was suspended for the first 30 games of the season under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy for his involvement in an alleged incident in October, is 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA, 20 saves and 44 strikeouts this season.
Chapman would fill one of the few remaining holes on a loaded Cubs roster — that of an experienced left-handed reliever. He has 166 saves over his seven-year major league career, the first six of which were with the Cincinnati Reds.
Torres, 19, is the Cubs’ top-ranked prospect and No. 15 in baseball, according to ESPN.com’s Keith Law. Torres was scratched about 20 minutes before the first pitch for high Class A Myrtle Beach on Sunday afternoon.
In 94 games for Myrtle Beach this year, Torres is batting .275 with a .359 on-base percentage, a .433 slugging percentage, nine homers and 47 RBIs. He has 19 stolen bases in 29 attempts.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the Yankees also inquired about Cubs minor league outfielder Eloy Jimenez. In 86 games with low Class A South Bend, the 19-year-old Dominican is batting .322/.360/.504 with 10 homers and 60 RBIs.
Chapman agreed to a one-year contract for $11,325,000 in February to avoid salary arbitration.
The Washington Nationals, San Francisco Giants and Cleveland Indians also are reportedly interested in acquiring Chapman.
The Yankees plan to retain left-handed reliever Andrew Miller, according to reports. The 31-year-old Miller, who is under contract through 2018, has a 1.45 ERA in 43 1/3 innings with seven saves and 74 strikeouts. He was the Yankees’ closer in 2015.
