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New York Yankees Rebuild Chicago Cubs Says Aroldis Chapman

By Kenneth Teape

Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) prepares to pitch during the ninth inning in game five of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) prepares to pitch during the ninth inning in game five of the 2016 World Series against the Cleveland Indians at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman seems some similarities with the Yankees and the reigning World Series champion Chicago Cubs.

The New York Yankees have done an excellent job rebuilding their farm system in recent years. Brian Cashman has executed a number of trades that have resulted in a major talent infusion in the Yankees farm system.

The Yankees have seven players ranked in the top 79 of MLB Pipeline, led by shortstop Gleyber Torres, who is No.3. The Yankees acquired Torres in a deadline deal last season with the Chicago Cubs, trading closer Aroldis Chapman to Chicago.

Chapman helped the Cubs win the World Series as both teams came away as winners in the trade. Not only did the Yankees acquire a top prospect in the trade, they were able to sign Chapman as a free agent this offseason.

Chapman and the Yankees agreed to a record-breaking deal, as Chapman landed a five-year, $86 million contract. Chapman was very impressed with the Yankees after they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 2016 season. He knew this is where he wanted to sign a long-term deal when he hit free agency.

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"“The first moment that I got here in Spring Training, the way that they treated me, the attention that I got,” he told Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. “The work ethic of this team, the clubhouse, the athletes that they have. Those things, all of them made me feel very comfortable. That for me was the most important thing, and I wanted to come back.”"

Chapman was in an awkward situation when the Yankees acquired him. He was facing suspension from the league because of a domestic abuse charge in the offseason. He was close to being sent to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but the trade fell through once news of the domestic abuse surfaced.

As a result, the Yankees swooped in and picked up Chapman. They handled the situation very well and are being rewarded for their efforts as Chapman wanted to return to the team despite being traded away.

Chapman saw first hand how much the Cubs reaped the benefit of their rebuild. They won the World Series in 2016 and are in a position to contend for plenty of years. They have a ton of young talent that should keep them contending for a long time. Chapman sees some similarities with the Yankees now as well.

"“Chicago started doing the same thing, bringing young players in the beginning, combined with veterans,” Chapman said. “It worked for them, and it’s a solid team. The Yankees are similar in that way. They’re trying to bring in some youth, athletes that are very gifted.“I think this is something that they can move on to accomplish because of the level of talent that they have. One of the things that can be key is the unity of the team. The Yankees can do that, too.”"

Next: New York Yankees: Top 5 Reasons 2017 Will Be Great

There is no denying the stable of talent the Yankees have built. Will they have the same success as the Cubs youngsters did? Only time will tell in that regard. But, for now, hopes are high and there will be some fresh air breathed into Yankees Spring Training with all of the young players on the cusp of the major leagues.

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