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News item from just a few hours ago:
The A’s exercised their 2022 mutual option on the contract of left-handed pitcher Andrew Chafin and declined the option on the contract of left-handed pitcher Jake Diekman. Chafin declined his part of the mutual option and both players are now free agents.
— AthleticsPR (@AthleticsPR) November 4, 2021
Andrew Chafin had by far the best year of his career in 2021. Overall: 1.83 ERA, 0.932 WHIP in 71 appearances covering 68⅔ innings. He walked 19 and struck out 64. His Cubs portion of that, prior to being traded to the Athletics for Greg Deichmann and Daniel Palencia: 2.06 ERA, 0.839 WHIP, only one home run allowed in 39⅓ innings.
The mutual contract option for Chafin for 2022 was for $5.25 million, so he must figure he can get more than that on the open market. He made $2.25 million in 2021, plus, based on this tweet he sent after the trade, he seemed to truly enjoy playing for the Cubs:
Welp @cubs fans….my time here had to come to an end at some point. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to go out and play in front of y’all! Definitely the most fun I’ve had up to this point. Gonna miss ya! Take care and keep on keepin on!!!!
— andrew chafin (@BigCountry1739) July 27, 2021
Chafin turns 32 next June. I’d think he could give the Cubs two good years. He could help anchor the bullpen over that time while the Cubs try to develop more arms in the system.
So: Two years, $15 million. Maybe throw in a third-year option at another $7.5 million per, with a $1 million buyout. BCB’s Tim Huwe tweeted basically the same ballpark figure, just a smidge less:
I hope Jed and Andrew Chafin have talked this afternoon.
— Tim Huwe (@tim815) November 4, 2021
Toss him 7, and roll.
Who says no?
Poll
Andrew Chafin...
This poll is closed
-
75%
... the Cubs should sign him for a deal like the one proposed in the article
(470 votes) -
10%
... the Cubs should sign him, but he’ll cost more in dollars and/or years
(64 votes) -
12%
... too expensive. Pass
(80 votes) -
1%
Something else (leave in comments)
(7 votes)