Chapman Trade

Looks as if the Cubs are going to acquire Aroldis Chapman from the Yankees in exchange for a package of four players, three of whom are likely prospects, viz., Gleybar Torres, Billy McKinney, and Rashad Crawford, with Adam Warren being the only veteran.  The package does not include Jorge Soler or Jameir Candelario, which is certainly good news.

I have mixed feelings about the trade.  It most assuredly puts the Cubs in a superior position, especially for the playoffs.  On the other hand, it would appear the Cubs are overpaying for a guy who is likely only a rental and has expressed a strong preference toward remaining in New York and resigning as a free agent next season.

That is, unless the Cubs are working on some sort of extension deal.  In which case, there are other misgivings to be considered as well.  This guy is coming off a thirty day suspension for domestic abuse and carries a bunch of baggage.

As far as what they Cubs are giving up, Torres is obviously the key.  He is a consensus top prospect on everyone's list.  The Cubs can, however, afford to lose him in that he is at least a year and maybe more away from the majors and is a shortstop.  The Cubs have so many shortstops now they don't know what to do with them.

With respect to Warren, I originally thought he might be a future fifth starter, but he has been really disappointing.  He has not shown in his stint with the Cubs that he is suited to a relief or swing role.

McKinney is a hard one to evaluate.  He was a first round pick by Oakland.  He excelled at A+ level in the Cubs organization last year as well as AA late in the year, but he has regressed this year at the same AA level, which, I think, in the Cubs view, makes him expendable.  Not, in other words, a top tier outfield prospect when compared to others in the system.

Crawford looks like a middling prospect playing in A ball.  Hard to evaluate him as well, but he looks like a throw-in at best.