7 years agoAfter being traded to the eventual champion Chicago Cubs in 2016, All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman returned to the Yankees last season, signing as a free agent. His campaign, however, was a disappointing one. Chapman’s 3.22 ERA was his highest in six years, while his strikeout total was his lowest in seven. He also blew four saves and recorded the lowest K/9 total of his career. The Cuban Missile’s woes culminated with his losing of the closer role for a brief period down the stretch. One thing to take into account when considering his struggles were injuries that plagued him. The soon-to-be 30-year-old was sidelined for over a month in the first half with rotator cuff inflammation in his left shoulder. In August, he also dealt with a hamstring injury that didn’t result in a DL stint but still hampered him. Still, there are reasons to be optimistic that a turnaround is imminent. In September, Chapman returned to form, posting a season-best 41.5 K% for the month. His BB% also lowered significantly and he stranded every single runner he put on base. Combined with his impressive postseason as the Yankees marched to within one game of a World Series berth, this should easy worries that Chapman is declining. With his velocity still in place, a season with limited injuries will mean the left-hander will restore his status as one of the best closers in the game. Look for Chapman to be one of the top five closers taken, somewhere in the top eight rounds.--RDelgado