CUBS POWER UP 'PEN WITH AROLDIS CHAPMAN
The Chicago Cubs acquired pitcher Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees for infielder Gleyber Torres, pitcher Adam Warren and outfielders Billy McKinney and Rashad Crawford.
What does it give the Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have the most wins in the National League this season, despite shaky bullpen depth, and Chapman shores up that area immediately. He is not only arguably the hardest-throwing stopper in the game, but he is also a left-hander (which gives the Cubs supreme late-inning versatility). Chapman's arrival--along with the recent return of Joe Nathan (who looks good so far), plus the continuing solid pitching of right-hander Hector Rondon--gives the Cubs a daunting trio of closer and setup candidates. This move makes Chicago the clear favorites in the NL, if they were not already.
What does it give the New York Yankees
Even in trading Chapman, the Yankees still have two of the top short relievers in MLB (Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances). Moving Chapman was a luxury for New York, and a smart move (since Chapman will be a free agent this winter, and also because the team needs to replenish its youth on offense). Torres is the gem of this swap but McKinney is also an above-average talent. Warren is having a tough season (with a 5.91 ERA) but is a former Yankee who has strong numbers in the bigs and the ability to pitch in either the rotation or bullpen. Crawford appears to be mostly a throw-in here.
Fantasy impact
Chapman's arrival in Chicago hurts the respective fantasy values of Rondon and Nathan, and he gets a small downgrade himself (since he must claim the closer gig before returning to the value he had with the Yankees). In New York, Miller gets the biggest fantasy boost (since he seems next in line for saves) but Betances too should see increased value (with more holds chances, and maybe more saves). Warren's limited fantasy appeal doesn't change. Longer-term, Torres gets a nice power-up in keeper value here, since he was blocked by so many uber-prospects in Chicago (but isn't as much with New York). His acquisition raises questions about the long-term future of top Yankees shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo, who was recently suspended for two weeks for violating team policy. Former first-round pick ('13) McKinney gets a needed fresh start during a down minors campaign, while Crawford should not be on the fantasy radar.
