Just a few weeks after the Cuban flamethrower was set to head out to Hollywood. Instead, Chapman is heading to Broadway. The Yankees traded for Chapman on Monday, giving themselves a belated Christmas gift and bolstering a bullpen that already featured Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller. The Bombers sent Caleb Cotham, Rookie Davis, Eric Jagielo, and Tony Renda to Cincinnati in the deal, which looks like a relative steal for New York.
The question now is, which of the dominant reliever trio will close? This past fantasy season saw a few maddening committees arise and this could be the beginning of another one. It's reported that Brian Cashman called Miller before the trade to tell him that Chapman would be the guy. However, it is said that right now it is still an open competition. Obviously a lot will depend on weather or not Chapman gets suspended. In fact, it would actually work in New York's favor if he does. Should Chapman get suspended for 40 or more games, he would remain under team control for an extra year. So the Yankees would get nearly two seasons worth of the fireballer's services at a discounted price. Even if he doesn't get suspended though, he would be a prime trade candidate at the deadline this season.
Miller's fantasy value obviously takes a hit if he doesn't close for the Yankees, but he can still provide significant holds, and strikeout value the way Betances has the past two seasons. Not only that, but also, should anything happen to Chapman, Miller would be next in line. Miller, Betances, and Chapman were the top three relievers in terms of strikeout rates over the last two seasons, and will rack up the whiffs for fantasy owners.
None of the players that Cincy received in return for Chapman are likely to be fantasy relevant this season. Cotham and Renda aren't worth getting into, and Jagielo and Davis, while they are promising talents, still need some seasoning in the minors. Jagielo will start in AA but should be up to AAA fairly soon as all he did for the Yankees in the minors was hit. With Todd Frazier out of town, there could be a path to playing time for Jagielo if he improves his defense. Those in dynasty leagues should take notice.
Davis also looks like a promising pitcher. He profiles as a middle of the rotation guy, with a mid-90s fastball and sharp curveball. His control is good, but he struggles with command. There is some thought he could be more effective out of the pen where he could throw his fastball harder. He seems further away than Jagielo is in terms of big league readiness, and pitching in Great American is not great for his value. Nonetheless he's worth keeping tabs on.
Assuming the Reds don't make any moves, J.J. Hoover appears poised to take over as the closer. Naturally, that greatly boosts his value should he retain the role.
Winter may be kicking off, but RotoBaller is keeping the hot stove burning.
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