Cashman: NY aware Chapman issues 'serious'
On Monday, the Yankees acquired Aroldis Chapman from the Reds for a four-prospect package that almost certainly would not have been good enough to land Chapman at the trade deadline. New York made a great baseball move.
The Reds lowered the asking price for Chapman following an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred earlier this offseason. In fact, a few weeks ago the Dodgers and Reds had worked out a Chapman trade before news of the incident broke. Things then fell apart.
It’s worth noting no arrests were made following the incident. The police report says Chapman admitted to firing eight shots with a handgun in his garage, which is a weird thing to do, but no charges were filed. MLB’s investigation under their new domestic abuse policy is still ongoing.
Following the trade, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said the team is aware Chapman comes with “serious issues,” but essentially the deal was too good to pass up. The Reds “modified” their “price point,” according to Cashman, which means they lowered their asking price.
“We felt this was an opportunity to add a big arm to our bullpen, even though there are some things that are unresolved,” added Cashman during a conference call with reporters following the trade. “And we will respect that process as it plays out.”
“Certainly there are some serious issues here that are in play,” Cashman said. “I acknowledge that’s an area clearly of concern and I think it certainly is reflective of some of the acquisition price and there’s risk, and I understand that.”
There is something kind of icky about a GM acknowledging his team is willing to take any potential PR hit because the trade made sense. Then again, this is nothing new. Pro sports teams — it’s not just baseball, it happens in every sport — are willing to look the other way when it comes to legal problems as long as the player is good on the field.
MLB’s investigation could result in a suspension, though the domestic violence policy is new and no precedent has been set. Commissioner Rob Manfred may decide to drop the hammer with the first suspension and make a statement. We’ll have to wait and see.
In pure baseball terms, the Yankees made a fantastic trade that greatly improves their team. They gave up none of their top prospects and nothing off their MLB roster for the most dominant reliever in the game today.
At the same time, the domestic violence incident is a red flag that may indicate Chapman has an inability or unwillingness to honor moral (and legal) boundaries. By trading for Chapman, the Yankees are saying that’s okay.
Brian Cashman acknowledged Aroldis Chapman comes with ‘serious issues.’ (USATSI)
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