The Cincinnati Reds agreed to trade hard-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman to the Los Angeles Dodgers, pending approval of medical records, a source said Monday. But a domestic abuse allegation against Chapman may hold up the deal.
Chapman, a 27-year-old lefthander, is eligible for free agency after next year’s World Series. He threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues this year, ranging from 103.92 mph to 102.36 mph, according to Major League Baseball’s Statcast computer system.
Chapman was an All-Star in each of the last four seasons. He would join a bullpen that already has closer Kenley Jansen.
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports reported late Monday that Chapman allegedly fired eight gunshots in the garage of his Miami-area home following an October argument with his girlfriend in which she told police he “choked” her and pushed her against a wall, according to police reports. Chapman’s lawyer, Jay Reisinger, said, “On behalf of Mr. Chapman, we vehemently deny the allegations as stated.’’
As for the Dodgers, they also were closing in on deals to add free-agent pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma and to re-sign second baseman Chase Utley.
Mariners get Miley from Red Sox • The Seattle Mariners obtained lefthander Wade Miley and reliever Jonathan Aro from the Boston Red Sox for reliever Carson Smith and pitcher Roenis Elias in the first trade announced at the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.
Acquired from Arizona during the week of last year’s winter meetings, Miley, 29, was 11-11 with a 4.46 ERA in his only season with the Red Sox and is 49-46 in five big league seasons. He is owed $6 million next year and $8.75 million in 2017 as part of a $19.25 million, three-year contract, which includes a $12 million club option for 2018 with a $500,000 buyout.
He had been slated as a fourth starter in a rotation with David Price, Clay Buchholz and Rick Porcello. He will take Seattle’s rotation spot that opened when Hisashi Iwakuma became a free agent.
Marlins keep price steep for Fernandez • National media outlets are reporting that the Miami Marlins were discussing possible trades for pitcher Jose Fernandez with interested suitors, notably the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was attention-grabbing, but premature to suggest that any talks have progressed to the serious stage.
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal quoted an unidentified executive with a team seeking pitching as saying the Marlins have made it clear it would take “an absurd haul” to get Fernandez.
Michael Hill, Marlins president of baseball operations, acknowledged last week that teams are inquiring about Fernandez and the team’s other talented young players, including outfielder Marcell Ozuna.
“When someone calls we listen to see if something makes sense, both in the short term and the long term,” Hill said.
Royals keep Young, add Soria • The Kansas City Royals liked what they saw of Chris Young so much they decided to keep him. And they liked Joakim Soria so much from his past stint in Kansas City they struck a deal to bring him back. The World Series champions announced an $11.5 million, two-year contract with Young on Monday and also agreed to a $25 million, three-year deal with Soria that needs to be finalized. Young, 37, was 11-6 with a 3.06 ERA in 18 starts and 16 relief appearances in 2015. Soria, 31, was 3-1 with a 2.53 ERA in 72 relief appearances with Detroit and Pittsburgh this year. He had 160 saves for the Royals from 2007-11.
A’s, Madson reach deal • A source says free agent pitcher Ryan Madson has agreed to a $22 million, three-year contract with the Oakland Athletics, giving the club another proven reliever.
Bryant, Franco file grievances over service time • Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, the NL rookie of the year, and Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Maikel Franco have filed grievances against their teams alleging they were kept in the minor leagues unnecessarily and had their service time manipulated to delay future free agency, Yahoo Sports reported. In another move, the players’ association has filed a grievance over the Washington Nationals’ four-game suspension of Jonathan Papelbon that followed the pitcher’s fight with teammate Bryce Harper.
From news services
