Cubs nearing deal for Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman
The Chicago Cubs, trying to take control of the NL Central and establish themselves as the heavy World Series favorites, are on the verge of acquiring New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.
The Cubs, according to a high-ranking Cubs official, would part with prized shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres and another prospect. The official would only speak on the condition of anonymity since the trade has yet to be finalized.
“There’s a lot of rumors and stuff out there right now. I don’t have any information,” Chapman said through an interpreter after Sunday's game. “If the team wants to trade me, they have the last say.”
Torres, who was scratched from the Cubs’ Class A Myrtle Beach team, is baseball’s 28th-best prospect, according to MLB.com. He’s hitting .275 with a .359 on-base percentage and a .433 slugging percentage.
The Cubs’ bullpen be greatly enhanced by Chapman’s presence. He has 20 saves this season with a 2.01 ERA, striking out 44 batters in 31 1/3 innings. Cubs closer Hector Rondon would be moved into the eight-inning role.
MLB SALARIES: Baseball's top 25 highest-paid players in 2024
The Cubs, 59-38, entered Sunday evening with a seven-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals.
GALLERY: MLB TRADE DEADLINE