The Cubs sent four players to the New York Yankees to acquire the best available relief pitcher on baseball’s trade market Monday – but not before having three top team officials talk with Chapman about his sizeable off-the-field baggage.
“Obviously we are aware of the circumstances surrounding Aroldis Chapman’s suspension earlier this season,” chairman Tom Ricketts said in a statement addressing last winter’s domestic abuse allegations and the 30-day suspension that followed under baseball’s new domestic violence policy.
“We are also aware that he cooperated fully with the league investigation and takes responsibility for his actions,” the statement continues. “[Monday], prior to completing the trade, Theo [Epstein], Jed [Hoyer] and I spoke with Aroldis. I shared with him the high expectations we set four our players and staff both on and off the field. Aroldis indicated he is comfortable with meeting those expectations.
“Finally, my family, this team and Major League Baseball take the issue of domestic violence very seriously and support efforts to reduce domestic violence through education awareness and intervention.”
Ricketts’ statement was part of a joint press release that also included a prepared statement – both in English and Spanish – from Chapman, who said he does not plan to talk about the domestic violence issue once he joins the team Tuesday.
The statement:
“I want to thank the New York Yankees for trusting and supporting me, and I wish nothing but the best for the Yankees organization and my former teammates,” said Chapman. “I am excited about today’s trade and look forward to joining the Chicago Cubs and meeting my new teammates. It is a privilege to wear the Cubs uniform and to play for the fans of Chicago.
“As you know, earlier this year I accepted and served a 30-game suspension from Major League Baseball resulting from my actions of October 30, 2015. I regret that I did not exercise better judgment and for that I am truly sorry. Looking back, I feel I have learned from this matter and have grown as a person. My girlfriend and I have worked hard to strengthen our relationship, to raise our daughter together, and would appreciate the opportunity to move forward without revisiting an event we consider part of our past. Out of respect for my family, I will not comment any further on this matter.
“I cannot wait to take the mound at Wrigley Field and look forward to helping my teammates deliver a championship to Chicago.”
