Former New York Yankees relief pitcher, Aroldis Chapman, decided to discontinue with his former club after major disagreements. Apparently, Chapman was furious after the Yanks decided to bench him in the Wild Card Series roster. Hence, in retaliation, the pitcher was a no-show at the Yankees’ season mandatory workout session. Subsequently, he was left out of the roaster.
Now, Chapman entered the free agent market in the 2022 off-season. He is yet to have a contract. However, rumors are circling around that Aroldis Chapman is in talks with as many as five different clubs for a possible place on the roster. Chapman is a veteran and brings immense experience to the table. Hence, he will be a fruitful addition to any club’s roster.
Five Teams Show Interest In Ex-Yankee Relief Pitcher
Aroldis Chapman left the Yankees on a bitter note. After repeated disagreements with the front office, the pitcher skipped the Bomber’s mandatory post-season workout and stayed back in his hometown, Miami. Since then, Aroldis made up his mind to enter the free agent market in 2023 as his contract was coming to an end. And he did just that.
Meanwhile, after entering the free agent market, Chapman has been keeping a low profile in his hometown Miami. Moreover, rumors have it that the veteran pitcher is holding talks with as many as five teams for landing a contract in the 2023 MLB season. The Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Miami Marlins are showing heavy interest in the veteran. However, nothing has been concrete for now, but we may see an announcement really soon.
“Chapman would like to be close to home and the Marlins have been calling him,”
Miami Marlins Front Runners To Acquire Aroldis Chapman
As stated earlier, as many as five teams have shown interest in acquiring Aroldis Chapman. However, among the fives, Miami Marlins are emerging as the front runners. According to an MLB insider, Jon Heyman, Chapman wants to stay close to home. Hence, he is too intrigued to join the Marlins. Moreover, Jon added that Miami Marlins have been contacting the people close to Chapman as well in order to lure the pitcher.
Aroldis Chapman started with the Reds in 2010. In his decades-long career, he pitched with a 2.94 ERA with 153 saves. His total career saves reached up to 315, which ranks him 3rd among the active pitchers in MLB. However, his last season with the Yankees has been one of his worst. Moreover, repeated benching did not help his cause further. Hence, he decided to call it quits and now floats in the free agent market, waiting for a contract.