The New York Mets and left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman were discussing a deal in the $8 million range before the Pittsburgh Pirates signed him for $10.5 million, per Andy Martino of SNY.
"The bullpen group carries more upside, though it would have been even better if the team had landed Aroldis Chapman to set up Edwin Diaz. Per league sources, the Mets and Chapman were discussing a potential deal in the approximately $8 million range before Chapman signed with Pittsburgh for $10.5 million."
The 36-year-old Chapman, a seven-time All-Star, pitched for the Kansas City Royals before landing with the eventual World Series champion Texas Rangers last season.