New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman is making it clear that he will definitely opt out of the final two years of his contract.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, Chapman is “one million percent” planning to opt out and hit free agency rather than playing out the final two years, and collecting the $30 million on his contract.
Chapman, 31, is one of the majors’ best relievers and is showing again in 2019 that he is one of the best, posting a 2.45 ERA with 25 saves in 29 chances, and making the All-Star team for the 6th time, 2nd while with the Yankees.
Chapman is rolling to dice with this decision. Chicago Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel struggled to land a lucrative, long-term deal on the open market, a market that proved to be slow and unfruitful for many top-tier players.
Chapman will also be turning 32, and has had a number of off-field issues pop up throughout his career.
Should the Yankees take home a World Series championship, Chapman may find his potential foray into free agency a bit more palatable, but there has been a strong indicator that teams are not as willing to break the bank for closers as they once were, so leaving $30 million on the table may not turn out to be such a good decision for Chapman when it’s all said and done.