As the Giants conclude their three game series against the Yankees, they’re also playing chicken against New York’s front office.
The Yankees are dead set on dealing flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman, and the Giants, Cubs and Nationals are all the frontrunners. For Chapman’s services, it’s likely the Giants would have to deal either Matt Duffy or Joe Panik, and another top prospect.
The problem? Negotiations have stalled from the Yankees.
#sfgiants getting strong sense #Yankees going in a different direction with Chapman. They're getting radio silence from Cashman.
— Henry Schulman (@hankschulman) July 24, 2016
That doesn’t necessarily mean a deal is entirely off the table. Trades in baseball can reappear on a whim. The Nationals and Yankees are reportedly at an impasse because Washington isn’t willing to part with starting pitcher Joe Ross.
Chapman has a 2.01 ERA on the season, with 30 saves and 44 strikeouts in 33.1 innings pitched. If Chicago (58-38), Washington (58-40) or San Francisco (58-39) acquired the 28-year-old, they would be deemed the prohibitive favorite down the stretch. The plauyoffs are secured for all three powerhouses, but home field advantage is at stake.
With such a gridlock in the standings, a surefire closer could equal a couple more wins in August and September — and most importantly, October.