Reaction roundup: Reds deal Aroldis Chapman to Yanks for prospects
The Cincinnati Reds have finally dealt closer Aroldis Chapman to the New York Yankees for four prospects. The trade was announced Monday:
Jack Curry from YES first reported the deal was done.
In return, the Reds received Eric Jagielo, Rookie Davis, Tony Renda and Caleb Cotham, all of whom took to Twitter to thank the Yankees and express their excitement to join Cincinnati:
What an opportunity. #HelloCincy pic.twitter.com/0l4Ua1E4GR
— Rookie Davis (@rookdavis24) December 29, 2015
— Eric Jagielo (@E_Jagielo) December 29, 2015
Thank you @Yankees organization for the opportunity. Looking forward to being a part of the @Reds ! Can't wait for Spring Training!
— Tony Renda (@TRenda28) December 28, 2015
Let's go!!! pic.twitter.com/AfBIctNWjT
— Caleb Cotham (@ceetwo35) December 28, 2015
John Manuel of Baseball America provided some context on the quality of return, noting that the Phillies might have got a better return for their closer Ken Giles:
Davis & Jagielo in #Yankees top 15, others not even in NYY top 30 in upcoming Prospect Handbook https://t.co/wIkTUwt7tR
— John Manuel (@johnmanuelba) December 28, 2015
The Phillies appeared to get a lot more for Giles than #Reds did for Chapman, though obviously there are several mitigating factors
— John Manuel (@johnmanuelba) December 28, 2015
Other experts, including Rosenthal, weighed in on the Reds' haul:
#Reds view Jagielo and Davis as legitimate prospects. Think Jagielo can hit when healthy. See Davis as starter - 92-96 mph with big curve.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 28, 2015
jagielo is the notre dame 3b. has potential. rookie davis is 2nd guy in deal. #reds #yanks
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) December 28, 2015
Brian Cashman says "the price point" on Chapman was "modified." Translation: #Yankees got a discount with Chapman issues.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) December 28, 2015
In the end, Cincinnati talked to four teams on potential deals:
Of course, the trade comes after the Los Angeles Dodgers backed away from a deal for the lefty after reports surfaced that Chapman was involved in a domestic dispute case.
On the field, Chapman, 28 in Februrary, has been one of the best relievers in baseball. Since becoming the full-time closer in 2012, the lefty has saved 146 games, striking out 16.1 hitters-per-nine over that span.
The four-time All-Star saved 33 games in 2015, holding a 1.63 ERA with 116 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings.