Aroldis Chapman is heading back to the New York Yankees after helping the Chicago Cubs break a 108-year championship curse. In terms of a career path, you can’t ask for much more than that.
After he signed with the Yankees on Wednesday, Chapman revealed that he had narrowed his decision down to the Pinstripes and the Miami Marlins. Why did he choose the former?
“I love the (Yankees) organization. They welcomed me with open arms and that’s why I decided to go back,” Chapman told Marly Rivera of ESPN.com. “I was hoping I had a chance to go back and it happened. Every player dreams of being a Yankee, and if they don’t it’s because they never got the chance.”
Most free agents eventually sign with the highest bidder, but that may not have been the case with Chapman. He will certainly be well compensated after inking a five-year, $86 million deal, but the Marlins likely offered that much if not more. Miami is said to be desperate to sign a top closer, and the report about what they offered Kenley Jansen probably says a lot about how much they were willing to pay Chapman.
In addition to being one of the most dominant relievers in baseball, Chapman is also a competitor. He already has a championship ring, so no one would have blamed him for going to a place like Miami where there is no pressure. Assuming the money was close to equal, Chapman’s decision to sign with the Yankees says a lot.
