The New York Yankees have traded hard-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Chicago Cubs, giving the NL Central leaders a boost as they try for their first World Series title in more than a century.
The Cubs paid a steep price, parting with top shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres as part of Monday's five-player deal. Chapman also brings along some off-the-field baggage and is eligible for free agency after this year.
But there is no doubting the talent of the 28-year-old Chapman, who went 3-0 with a 2.01 ERA and 20 saves in 31 games with New York. He threw a 105.1 mph fastball to Baltimore's J.J. Hardy last week, matching the fastest since Major League Baseball began tracking speeds in 2008.
He is expected to join the team in time for Tuesday's game against the White Sox.
In addition to Torres, the Yankees also receive pitcher Adam Warren and minor league outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
