Chapman, Yankees Finalize $86 Million, 5-Year Contract

Hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman completed his return to New York when the Yankees finalized his $86 million, five-year contract on Thursday.

Chapman energized fans at Yankee Stadium this year with a fastball of up to 105.1 mph, but New York pivoted to youth as the trade deadline neared and dealt him to the Chicago Cubs on July 25 for touted shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres, right-hander Adam Warren and outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.

Chapman helped the Cubs win their first World Series title since 1908, getting the victory in Game 7 against Cleveland last month, then became a free agent. The 20-year-old Torres was selected the youngest MVP in the history of the Arizona Fall League.

A left-hander who turns 29 in February, Chapman gets the richest deal for a relief pitcher. He receives an $11 million signing bonus, of which $1 million is payable this year and $5 million in each of the next two years, and annual salaries of $15 million.

He has an opt out after 2019, a full no-trade provision for the first three years and then a limited no-trade that says he can't be dealt to any of the five California teams or Seattle without his consent.

To open a roster spot, New York designated right-hander Nick Goody for assignment.

Chapman missed the first 29 games this year while serving a suspension under baseball's domestic violence policy, then went 4-1 with 36 saves in 39 chances for the Yankees and Cubs.

Chapman has 636 strikeouts in 377 innings and 182 saves in seven big league seasons, the first six with Cincinnati.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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