According to Bart Hubbuch of the New York Post,the Mets have dropped out of the Aroldis Chapman sweepstakes. The team reportedly scoffed at the southpaw’s demands after being told that he wanted up to $60 million to sign.
The Mets have plenty of other holes to fill on their ballclub, namely left field, so it’s no surprise to see that they have passed on the Cuban import, but the fact that they have already dropped out of the running makes one wonder how interested clubs like the Orioles, Athletics and Blue Jays have a realistic shot to land him.
The Red Sox and Yankees have been among the most aggressive suitors while the Cardinals plan to meet with the 21-year-old fireballer this week. With such a weak market for free-agent pitchers, Chapman should be rewarded handsomely for his decision to leave Cuba. Whether he’s actually ready to be a top-flight major league starter is a rather expensive mystery.