January 18, 2017

Michael Griffin analyzes the fantasy impact of Aaroldis Chapman joining the Yankees, including whether he's a viable 2017 fantasy baseball draft pick, value or sleeper.

When it comes to closers, one of the most recognizable names is Aroldis Chapman.

Part of it might have been from the domestic violence incident that saw him miss the early portion of the 2016 season. Most of it though was his playing a huge part in helping the Chicago Cubs break their 108-year World Series drought.

Now he's back with the Yankees, the team that traded him to Chicago last season. How will his return to the Bronx help his team? Most importantly, how will he help you possibly win your fantasy baseball title?

Editor's note: Be sure to also check out our 2017 fantasy baseball rankings dashboard. It's already loaded up with tons of great rankings articles and draft analysis. Aside from our tiered staff rankings for every position, we also go deep on MLB prospect rankings, impact rookies for 2017, and dynasty/keeper rankings as well. Bookmark the page, and win your drafts.

2017 Fantasy Baseball Outlooks

As brilliant as he has been, he has also not cracked the 40-saves mark. The highest that he's reached is 38, twice. Last season was also the first year since '11 that he did not record over 100 strikeouts. His other numbers don't show any signs of trouble. His 0.86 WHIP was his third-best since coming up to the Majors. He also posted a 1.55 ERA. This is a guy who can still produce a great body of work for his team and anyone who picks him in their draft.

Overall, he was having a very strong year for the Yankees, but Brian Cashman thought that blowing up the team and restocking the minors was a more prudent course of action. That seemed to work since the team has a system now with a lot more blue-chip prospects. Add the fact that they managed to bring the fireballing Cuban back after the trade and the future looks very bright. 2017 might not be the year, especially since the Red Sox now have a three-headed-monster in Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello. David Ortiz may be gone, but they still have a stacked lineup. The Yankees should aim to contend in 2018.

Chapman has the closer's spot. The Yankees would be foolish not to give it to the guy that is already battle-tested in the playoffs, even with the year that Dellin Betances had. They have to hope that returning him to a regular ninth-inning role will bring about their usual results of hitters flailing at pitches they can barely see. This Yankees squad is also one that has hope for the future, one that he will be a part of for the next five years. Chapman wants to celebrate another World Championship, this time in the Bronx. If he stays healthy, he will get his numbers. He's only turning 29 this February. Only one concern - he will be pitching to a young catcher in Gary Sanchez since Brian McCann is no longer there. Chapman knows how to get people out. There should be a lot more in the tank. Shouldn't there?

The only concern for anyone who picks Chapman is whether his bizarre use by Joe Maddon in the World Series was a harbinger for things to come. This is a man who throws over 100 miles-per-hour regularly and there are only so many that are left in his arm before something goes kablooey. It may or may not be in '17. You just have to wonder when the bill is going to come due. In other words, have a solid backup option in mind if you do draft him because you don't want to be scrambling on the waiver wires for someone in June. He's going to be a high-risk/possible high-reward nearly every year from now on. He's certainly very valuable, but know that he could backfire on you very quickly if something goes wrong.