Mets interested in former Yankees closer
Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets aren’t entering the 2024 season with the same zeal team owner Steve Cohen has shown in past offseasons. But that doesn’t mean the team isn’t looking to improve.
The Mets are still looking for some bullpen help and have reached out to the representatives of multiple relief pitchers, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.
Martino reported that one of the relievers in whom the Mets have interest is former Yankees star closer Aroldis Chapman.
The Mets have expressed interest in Aroldis Chapman, reports @martinonyc.
On their strategy in the bullpen market: "Essentially, the Mets have spoken to the representatives to just about every available reliever, and still have money to spend in that area, if they see a fit."… pic.twitter.com/Eyjh3S5YXq
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 22, 2024
Chapman, 35, is a 7-time All-Star and pitched for the Yankees from 2016-2022. After a disappointing 2022 season with the Yankees in which he posted a 4.46 ERA, Chapman turned things around in 2023. He went 4-2 with a 2.45 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 29.1 innings for the Kansas City Royals. He became a hot trade chip and was dealt to the Rangers, with whom he won the World Series.
Chapman took home $4.37 million last season. It’s unclear what kind of money he would earn this offseason, but he’s desired by teams, including the Yankees’ intracity rival.
