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. Photo Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Fresh off a World Series championship, free-agent-to-be Aroldis Chapman is seeking a new deal worth $100 million.
The Chicago Cubs would like to re-sign the closer, whom they acquired midseason for their World Series run, but not at the price Chapman is asking.
According to CSN Chicago, the Cubs will take a “targeted” approach to free agents this winter.
“I don’t think it will be an extravaganza, as it was last year,” general manager Jed Hoyer said from the GM Meetings in Arizona. “We don’t need to do that. But we are going to be looking at a lot of ways to acquire pitching.”
Los Angeles could be a landing spot for Chapman. The Dodgers almost acquired the flame-throwing lefty from Cincinnati last offseason before he was traded to the New York Yankees, who subsequently dealt him to the Cubs.
–The Los Angeles Angels re-signed right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey to a one-year deal.
Bailey, 32, posted a 2.38 ERA with six saves in 12 appearances for the Angels in 2016 after struggling with the Philadelphia Phillies and being released in August. He became the Angels’ closer after Huston Street’s season-ending injury.
Bailey is a two-time All-Star who won the American League Rookie of the Year award in 2009 with the Oakland Athletics.
The Angels also designated outfielder Shane Robinson for assignment. Robinson, 32, hit .173 with one home run and 10 RBIs in 65 games for the Angels this season.
–The Atlanta Braves and right-hander Josh Collmenter agreed on a one-year, $1.2 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration.
The deal includes the potential for an additional $1.2 million through incentives.
Collmenter, 30, was 2-0 with a 3.70 ERA over 19 innings in three starts with Atlanta, his third team in 2016. The Braves acquired Collmenter from the Chicago Cubs for cash considerations on Sept. 14.
