MLB Trade Rumors 2015: Cincinnati Reds Send Off Aroldis Chapman to NY Yankees
The Cincinnati Reds finally got rid of reliever Aroldis Chapman, finding an unlikely trade partner in the New York Yankees. In receiving the Cuban pitcher, the Yankees reportedly sent four minor league players.
The trade is somewhat surprising for many pundits because Chapman is still being investigated by the league for an alleged domestic abuse that happened in his residence, including reports of choking his girlfriend and unloading a gun. There are no criminal charges as of this posting, but there is a great likelihood that he will be suspended by the MLB based on the league's domestic violence policy. So by acquiring Chapman, the Yankees are making a particularly big risk here.
There are only two sensible reasons why New York decided to take this gamble. One, they're pretty certain that Chapman won't be suspended, or two, they're hoping that if he's suspended, it is only for a brief time.
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But looking at the brighter side, this deal may become a very beneficial one for the Yankees. The team is already bulked up in the bullpen even without Chapman. But with his addition, they'll be receiving quite a talent even if there are risks involved. With that in mind, they will be as formidable as the elite pitching teams in the league, which means they can get a lot tougher during late game innings.
One thing the Yankees are definitely looking at is the fact that Chapman is one of the game's hardest throwers, and without considering his off-field issues, he's one of the best relievers in the league, too. He's only 28 so he has a lot of future ahead of him. It's just a matter of waiting in order to find out if he will be able to handle and get over the current issues outside of baseball he is facing right now.
In exchange for Chapman, the Reds will get right-hander Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, as well as infielders Tony Renda and Eric Jagielo.
