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Add the Nationals to the list of clubs interested in free agent closer Aroldis Chapman.
Chapman is reportedly drawing interest from the Nationals, Giants, Yankees and Dodgers, according to Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe. Cafardo adds it’s unclear whether the Cubs are involved.
Washington seems intent on adding bullpen depth this offseason, though the club might pursue other options, such as Kenley Jansen, or consider re-signing Mark Melancon.
As long as Chapman remains available, he will likely continue to draw interest from the majority of baseball’s large market teams. Still, he is arguably the best closing option on the market.
Over 58.0 combined innings with the Yankees and Cubs last season, Chapman pitched to a 1.55 ERA and 1.42 FIP. He also saved 36 contests and has saved at least 30 in each of the last five seasons.
The Yankees are thought to be the favorites to land Chapman, according to George A. King III of The New York Post, but if he gets too expensive, New York will likely consider other options.