What the Chapman signing means to the Yankees

During the tail end of the winter meetings, the New York Yankees and Aroldis Chapman agreed on a five year, $86 million deal. The 28 year old will receive a full no-trade clause through the first three seasons, as well as an opt-out after the third season. Additionally, since he was traded during the 2016 season, Chapman was unable to receive a qualifying offer as per CBA rules, and will not cost the Yankees a draft pick. 

Chapman will be the highest paid reliever in MLB history

Chapman, who spent the first half of 2016 in the Bronx, was the top reliever on the market this winter. Back in July, we speculated a potential return to the Yankees right here on Empire Sport Zone. In today's article, we will be taking a closer look at the Chapman signing, offering insight on it's future implications on the Yankees organizational plans. 

3 Reasons why the Matt Holiday signing makes sense

A few days ago, the New York Yankees agreed to terms with outfielder Matt Holiday on a one year deal worth $13 million. Holiday, who is represented by Scott Boras, became a free agent after the St. Louis Cardinals declined his $17 million team option for 2017. Following the announcement of the signing, there was a public outcry by many Yankee fans who had hoped for higher-tiered free agents. 

 

In this article, we will provide three reasons as to why the Matt Holiday deal makes sense for the Yankees organization moving forward. 

How will the Cespedes signing impact the Mets moving forward?

The Mets did not hesitate to bring Cespedes back to Queens

On November 30, the New York Mets announced that they had retained outfielder Yoenis Cespedes on a four-year, $110 million contract. Cespedes, now 31, entered the off-season as the top available player in this winter's free agent class. While some believed that he would return to the Big Apple, little thought that he would sign this early in the off-season. Thus, the Mets now benefit moving forward as they know that the All-Star is locked up for the foreseeable future. While Cespedes is just one player, his return seemingly changed the course of action for the Mets front office that was previously looking for alternative options.

With the Winter Meetings rapidly approaching, New York will have tough decisions to make. In this article, we will look at two areas that the Mets need to address in the coming months. 

Yankees ship McCann to Houston

The New York Yankees have taken another step in their rebuilding process, sending veteran catcher Brian McCann and cash considerations to the Houston Astros in exchange for prospects Albert Abreu and Jorge Guzman. Houston is expected to take on roughly $22-23 million on the remaining two years of McCann's contract. 

Neil Walker accepts $17.2 million qualifying offer

Walker will return to the Big Apple for at least one more season

Today was the deadline for players to accept or decline their qualifying offers, and second baseman Neil Walker waited until the last possible minute to make a decision. The 31 year old will accept the offer made by the New York Mets, and will earn $17.2 million in 2017. Walker joins Phillies pitcher Jeremy Hellickson as the only other player this off-season to take the one year contract. 

Mets bring back Bruce, Reyes, decline Niese's option

The Mets were expected to retain Bruce

Yesterday, the New York Mets announced that they will pick up the team options for outfielder Jay Bruce and infielder Jose Reyes. Bruce will earn $13 million next year while Reyes will receive the league minimum of about $500,000. New York also declined pitcher Jon Niese's 2017 Team Option, choosing to give him a $500,000 buyout instead of the $10 million salary. 

2016-2017 Season Preview: New York Knicks

Last year, the Knicks had made nice improvements from their horrific campaign in 2014-2015. The team had finished 32-50 and began to emerge with some youth. Kristaps Porzingis, the 4th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, shocked the sports world with his impressive play, and others like Robin Lopez and Derrick Williams proved to be nice complementary players. Fast forward one year, and the Knicks are now primed to make a strong playoff push.

The Knicks have turned to Jeff Hornacek (middle) to lead their squad

The addition of head coach Jeff Hornacek will be under the microscope as some suspect that he will be unable to run the triangle offense. In three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, he compiled a record of 101-112 (.474), and was fired by the organization this past February. At this point, Knicks fans are simply happy that Derek Fisher is no longer associated with the team, but there will be pressure on Hornacek to deliver for a franchise that has not won an NBA title since 1973. 

In this article, we will take a preview at the 2016-2017 New York Knicks team, offering predictions both individually and as a team.