AP source: Chapman, Yankees reach deal for $86M, 5 years
OXON HILL, Md. — Aroldis Chapman found a spot in a most familiar bullpen — a very rich spot, too.
The hard-throwing closer reached agreement to return to the New York Yankees on Wednesday night with the highest-priced contract ever for a relief pitcher, an $86 million deal for five years.
A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press that the contract was pending a physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet complete.
“I have no concerns about his toughness, mental toughness,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Thursday, without confirming the agreement. “It just comes down to will he maintain his health and performance levels, and if he does that then he’ll be one of the elite closers throughout the contract.”