The Yankees and new closer Aroldis Chapman avoided salary arbitration Friday, agreeing to a one-year deal worth $11.325.
The Associated Press first reported the agreement.
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Had the two sides not been able to reach a deal, a hearing would have been held Feb. 19, one day after Yankees’ pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Tampa, Fla. The Yankees originally offered $9 million while Chapman asked for $13.1 million.
Chapman, acquired in December from the Reds, made just over $8 million last season when, armed with a fastball that routinely surpassed 100 mph and topped out at 103.92, posted a 1.63 ERA, going 33-for-36 in save chances. The 27-year-old lefthander struck out 116 batters, and walked 33, in 66 1⁄3 innings.
He is currently under investigation by MLB under its domestic abuse policy because of an incident that occurred in Florida Oct. 30 with his girlfriend. Prosecutors determined there “was not enough evidence to get a conviction,” according to a TMZ report Jan. 21.
This season Chapman is expected to anchor what on paper should be one of the most dominant bullpens in the game, with power arms Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller setting up for him.
- Newsday