CLOSER CHAPMAN HEADS TO THE BRONX
The New York Yankees acquired pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds for pitchers Caleb Cotham and Rookie Davis, plus infielders Eric Jagielo and Tony Renda.
What does it give the New York Yankees
The Yankees certainly didn't need another closer, with Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller already in the fold, but Chapman's addition provides them with tremendous late-inning bullpen depth. Expect New York to now deal Miller for help elsewhere, or perhaps move Betances, Chapman or Miller to the starting rotation. Either way, this trade helps the Bronx Bombers immensely for the here and now.
What does it give the Cincinnati Reds
The Reds are clearly rebuilding these days, so jettisoning Chapman was expected. In return, Cincinnati received two quality prospects in Davis and Jagielo, a potentially solid reliever in Cotham and a fourth prospect in Renda. That's a good haul for a closer on a losing team. Davis should eventually compete for a rotation spot, while Jagielo might be the organization's new third baseman of the future if his defense holds up.
Fantasy impact
Chapman's fantasy value takes a bit of a hit in the Bronx as long as the club has other ninth-inning options such as Betances and Miller. He should get more saves when used as closer, though. Davis and Jagielo are long-range keeper prospects who should be squarely on the radar now, while Cotham might have some value towards the end of 2016 as a potential late-inning reliever. Renda's value is minimal. The big fantasy winner for Cincinnati could be projected new closer J.J. Hoover, who is expected to take over in the ninth inning. The clear losers after this trade are both Betances and Miller.
