The New York Yankees have a decision to make regarding the future of flamethrower Aroldis Chapman. The left-hander is set to see his contract with the club expire this off-season, and with free agency approaching, no new deal has been agreed. By Brendan KutyChapman revealed Monday that he and the Yankees have yet to even begin negotiations on a new deal, despite his desire to stay in the Bronx.

Aroldis Chapman says the Yankees haven’t approached him for an extension and he’d like to stay in pinstripes. Chapman is expected to be a free agent at the end of the season. https://t.co/fCk4swvLbg

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) April 11, 2022

Chapman admitted the Yankees had yet to approach him for a potential extension before stating he wanted to stay with the team. Whether or not the Yankees have a mutual interest in reconnecting with the 34-year-old remains to be seen, though he’s ready if they come to the table with an offer.

Last season, Chapman recorded a 3.36 ERA with 97 strikeouts and 30 saves in 56.1 innings of work. Despite recording his highest strikeout total since moving to New York in 2016, Chapman gave up a troubling 9 home runs and saw his ERA increase for the second consecutive season. The 3.36 ERA was his worst since 2011, his second year in MLB, and the 9 home runs were more than he gave up from 2017-2019 combined.

In 2020, Chapman signed a three-year, $48 million contract with the Yankees. In 2022, the 34-year-old earns $18 million in the final year of his contract before free agency. It’s clear that Chapman would rather avoid hitting the open market altogether, but it remains to be seen if the Yankees are as motivated to keep him in town going forward.