The Chicago Cubs acquired hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the New York Yankees on Monday, giving the N.L. Central leaders a boost as they try for their first World Series title in more than a century.
The Cubs paid a steep price, parting with top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, versatile pitcher Adam Warren and minor league outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
Chapman, who was rumored to be on the Giants’ wish list, faced a domestic violence allegation in the offseason that cost him a 29-game suspension, and the left-hander is eligible for free agency after this year. But there is no doubting the talent of the 28-year-old Chapman, who went 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves in 31 games with New York. He threw a 105.1 mph fastball to Baltimore’s J.J. Hardy last week, matching the fastest pitch since Major League Baseball began tracking speeds in 2008.
With lefty-hitting sluggers Bryce Harper of Washington and Brandon Belt of the Giants possibly looming in the playoffs, the addition of Chapman gives manager Joe Maddon one of the majors’ top assets when in need of a late strikeout.
“Obviously, we are aware of the circumstances surrounding Aroldis Chapman’s suspension earlier this season,” Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts said. “I shared with him the high expectations we set for our players and staff both on and off the field. Aroldis indicated he is comfortable with meeting those expectations.”
New York had won six of eight heading into Monday night’s game at Houston, but it still faces long odds of getting to the playoffs. All-Stars Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances are still at the back of the bullpen, allowing the Yankees to trade Chapman now and still consider trying for the postseason depending on how they fare ahead of the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline.
“This was an easy call, and this was the right call,” general manager Brian Cashman said. “Easy because we traded from an area of strength, and we are excited with the players we received for a player who was only under control for two more months.”
The Yankees made the decision to trade Chapman after his agents said he would not agree to a new contract that would start in 2017, a person familiar with the talks said. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no public statement on those talks was authorized.
Chapman quickly turned into one of baseball’s most dominant relievers when he broke into the majors in 2010 with Cincinnati. He threw the 62 fastest pitches in the majors last season, ranging from 102.36 to 103.92 mph.
Chapman saved 146 games with a 2.17 ERA in six years with the Reds before he was traded to New York last December after a deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers fell through when it was learned Florida police had investigated an accusation of domestic violence involving the pitcher.
Prosecutors declined to file charges, citing conflicting accounts, and Chapman was suspended for the first 29 games of the season, losing $1,856,557 of his $11,325,000 salary. He was the first player penalized a finite number of games under Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.
Manager Robin Ventura said he isn’t sure of Sale’s plans while he is away from the team, but he expects him to be ready for the outing at Wrigley Field.
The White Sox announced Sale’s punishment Sunday after the left-hander was scratched from his scheduled start and sent home the previous night.
