The Yankees have signed closer Aroldis Chapman to a 5-year $86 million deal. The closer was traded to the Yankees prior to this past season and was dealt to the Cubs at the deadline in late July. The return of the closer has some fans excited and others worried due to the money. This move was the correct decision by the Yankees as they have cleared cap room by trading away Brian McCann. Contracts by Beltran and Teixeira are now off the books and this upcoming year Alex Rodriguez’s and CC Sabathia’s contracts will expire.
The Yankees had money to spend and this move does not hinder their plan of this “Youth Movement” as it does not block or inhibit any of the Baby Bombers from developing. Dellin Betances also struggled in the closer role and the signing of Chapman will allow him to return to his 8th inning role where he found much more success. While Chapman may lose some life on his fastball over the next few years, he could slide into different roles, perhaps drop to a 7th or 8th inning reliever. Every free agent signing comes with risk, at least with Chapman he has proven he can be successful in New York and there are many different roles he can fill to help this team win over the next five years.