Will Chapman end up in Florida?

Yesterday, FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal wrote about the future of Cuban import, Aroldis Chapman, stating that it would not be surprising if a “low-revenue” (e.g. Marlins, A’s) organization rather than a big money club (e.g., Yankees, Red Sox, Angels) ultimately inked the desired left-hander to a deal. Rosenthal claims that “the Yankees and Red Sox, in the newest phase of their blood rivalry, want efficient players at efficient prices,” and, for that reason, may avoid Chapman, who was “not an efficient pitcher in Cuba” and “will not come at an efficient price.” A few days ago, Jorge Arangure Jr. speculated that Chapman could receive $25 million given the recent groundswell of interest following his successful Houston showcase. Still, despite the price, Rosenthal picks the Marlins as the likeliest to sign the young southpaw.

While the Marlins reportedly have extra resources in hand to divert to Chapman and have already provided him with a multiyear offer “in the $13 million range,” I cannot see the Yankees failing to capture the talented Cuban prospect due to his cost. Now, I agree with Rosenthal’s assessment of the Yankees’ approach as of late — their offseason, thus far, has yielded a series of financially efficient acquisitions, as the average annual cost of players acquired has been relatively low — however, I disagree in his application of this assessment to a high-upside, long-term investment like Aroldis Chapman. The Yankees, as seen in the draft, for instance, have demonstrated that they are more than willing to take a gamble on talented young arms and Chapman, outside of his price tag and unrestricted free agent situation, is really no different. Despite the lanky lefty’s “inefficient” production in Cuba and “inefficient” cost, with regards to Yankee personnel, I’m sure they see the potential value in signing such a player and, in the end, will fight for him.

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