The elimination of New York Yankees in this season of MLB it will force the high command to make some decisions, of that there is no doubt.
In the next few days, announcements will surely begin to appear, as a consequence of the extension of an unacceptable title drought for the most winning team of the Big leagues.
Heading into 2022, there are many moves they must make in the Bronx to ensure they turn the page. Pitching is a priority, but while many have the starting corps in mind, it’s the solid bullpen that needs a touch.
Fanning 2 in a save vs TOR tonight, @Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman became the 13th pitcher to get 1000 career strikeouts as a reliever. Of those, he’s the 5th to do so by age 33. Others: Francisco Rodriguez (1067), Goose Gossage (1028), Craig Kimbrel (1024), Kenley Jansen (1021) pic.twitter.com/v19yuG9ZDk
– StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) October 1, 2021
Aroldis chapman It is a name that should be mentioned insistently in meetings. What should the Yankees do with the Cuban left-hander?
Chapman’s 2021 numbers show a 6-4 record, 3.36 ERA, 30 saves (third-most in the American League) in 61 games, 36 hits, 23 runs, 21 earned runs. He allowed 9 home runs, walked 38 and struck out 97 in 56.1 innings.
He knew how to finish the season with his head held high, but in the middle he had the worst slump of his career, one that casts doubt on whether he should continue to be the team’s closer.
“Considering Chapman is owed $ 16 million in 2022 in the final year of his contract, it would be worth exploring how much of that money another team would take.”
Mailbag: Should Aroldis Chapman be traded so Jonathan Loaisiga can close? (via @martinoNYC)https://t.co/hH7ViY3nvb pic.twitter.com/HY1thmTQWu
– SNY (@SNYtv) October 1, 2021
Whoever takes the reins of New York by 2022 faces a crossroads. Despite Chapman’s contract and hierarchy, he could be at risk of losing his role. Even his place on the team.
There are two paths in Chapman’s future: either the team is inclined to be patient with him in the last year of his contract or they offer him as a trade piece to solve other problems.
Going to the market in search of a closer does not seem viable in view of all the needs of the club. Having Chapman in the bullpen but not as a closer is not an option, so if what they decide is to take a turn, the Cuban will go to another club and Jonathan Loáisiga, the best pitcher in the Yankees’ bullpen this year, will be the new closer. .