Could Aroldis Chapman be on the move?
According to The Athletic, which cited a player who's friendly with the Yankees left-hander, Chapman is "1 million percent" going to opt out of his contract at the end of the season.
However, Chapman called the report "completely false" Wednesday as he denied wanting to leave New York, though he did acknowledge the team has the ability to change his contract after next season.
"The truth is, honestly, I feel great here," Chapman said through a translator (via ESPN).
Added Chapman, per MLB.com: "I haven't even spoken to my agent about it. Like I said before, we have a big task in front of us, which is to win the division and win the World Series. That's the main focus for me right now. Contract stuff hasn't even crossed my mind at all."
Chapman later took to Twitter to further assure that he wants to stay with the Yankees.
Don’t always believe what you hear in the media. Yankee 100% pic.twitter.com/H1IcfO9V2s
— Aroldis Chapman (@AChapman_105) July 17, 2019
Chapman, 31, signed a five-year deal worth $86 million before the 2017 season. He has converted 25 of 29 save opportunities this season, compiling a 2.45 ERA in 39 appearances en route to his sixth All-Star selection.