Yankees close to trading Aroldis Chapman

The Yankees are close to trading impending free agent reliever Aroldis Chapman and plan to keep Andrew Miller, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal. Though a deal may not be imminent with a specific team, the Yanks are close to finishing the process of dealing Chapman and appear to be sifting through final offers.

The destination for Chapman is not yet known, though recent reports have linked the Nationals, Cubs, Giants and Indians to the flamethrower. Our Chris Cotillo reports that San Francisco is still in the mix for Chapman, though it is unclear if they are a favorite.

Chapman, 28, is one of the top relievers available after Fernando Rodney and Brad Ziegler were both traded earlier this summer.

Chapman has had a dominant 2016 campaign, pitching to a 2.15 ERA and 2.05 FIP over 29.1 innings while saving 20 contests. He’s pitched to a career 1.97 FIP and would be a valuable addition to the back-end of a contending team’s bullpen.

Chicago was known to be seeking relief help and was linked to Miller, who is still under club control and could become the Yankees’ closer if Chapman is moved. However, after adding Mike Montgomery, the Cubs might not be considering another trade for relief help.

Washington is interested in Chapman, according to Barry Svrluga of The Washington Post, but it doesn’t seem the Nationals are open to moving any top prospects, including Lucas Giolito or Trea Turner. Right-hander Erick Fedde may be in the mix in trade talks.

New York’s decision to keep Miller might be indicative of their approach to the trade deadline. The Yankees are a game over five-hundred and seven and a half games behind the Orioles in the American League East and might not be open to selling as a result.

Since Chapman will be a free agent at the end of the season, the Yankees might not receive much in return.