SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – In what already is a favorable marketplace for relievers, Aroldis Chapman just might have the best situation of all – he appears to be the top choice of both the Yankees and Dodgers.
The Yankees and Dodgers have the majors’ top payrolls. However, both have worked recently to lower their payrolls and both have hopes of falling under the luxury tax threshold in 2018. So it is possible both teams would tap out in a bidding war – remember, the Dodgers did not match the Diamondbacks last year once Arizona came in at the eleventh hour to grab away Zack Greinke.
But the Yankees and Dodgers are among the teams determined to upgrade their late-game bullpen this offseason, and big-market clubs such as the Cubs, Nationals and Giants also are in that hunt.
The Yankees like Kenley Jansen, as well. But Jansen was made the qualifying offer, so the Yankees would lose their first-round draft pick next June if they sign him, which they would not if they landed Chapman. Plus, the Yankees know Chapman, and for all the trouble in his past and questions about his reputation, the Yankees actually found him to be mostly low-maintenance in his few months with the organization.
The expectation is Chapman will go to the highest bidder. But he has said how much he enjoyed his time with the Yankees.
The Dodgers are hardly averse to keeping Jansen. However, their fondness for Chapman is well-known, and, because it is likely to take a four- or five-year deal to sign either, they look upon the lefty as a physical freak who might be able to endure longer (both players will be 29 next season). Plus, they would get a draft pick between the first and second rounds if Jansen signs elsewhere.
The Dodgers agreed to a trade with the Reds for Chapman last December. Before it was finalized, details became public about domestic abuse allegations against him, and the Dodgers backed out of the deal.