MLB Hot Stove: Yankees have already reached out to free agent Aroldis Chapman

GM Brian Cashman says the team has already reached out to the free agent reliever

Free agency has barely begun, and already Aroldis Chapman has a suitor. Yankees GM Brian Cashman on Monday confirmed that he's expressed interest to Chapman's agent. Via the New York Daily News:

"There are certainly some names out there that are pretty good," Cashman said. "It's probably a thin starting pitching market, there are a number of different relievers in the market; certainly more relievers in this free agency than there are starters of quality. The trade route is obviously an area we'll see what develops over time."

Cashman originally acquired Chapman from the Reds in December of 2015. However, after the Yankees faded from contention this past season, Cashman dealt Chapman to the Cubs on July 25 for a package fronted by shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres. Chapman is now a free agent, and since he played for two teams in 2015 he doesn't have a qualifying offer attached, which, in turn, means he won't cost his new team a compensatory draft pick.

Chapman, who'll be going into his age-29 season, pitched to a 1.55 ERA in 58 innings this season while striking out 90 against 18 walks. For his career, he owns an ERA+ of 192 across parts of seven seasons. No doubt, though, teams that pursue Chapman this offseason will take into account that was suspended to start the 2016 season under MLB's domestic violence policy.

As for the Yankees, Cashman's deft rebuild on the fly has put them in position to contend possibly as soon as next season. Signing an elite shutdown reliever like Chapman would certainly fit within those plans.