TAMPA — Forget trying to hit Aroldis Chapman’s fastball.
Just try to see it.
Chapman, baseball’s hardest thrower, tossed his first bullpen session of spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Wednesday, the first workout for the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers.
Chapman, who’s hit 105 mph before, worked on his fastball and slider under the supervision of pitching coach Larry Rothschild.
See video of Chapman throwing above.
Girardi breaks down Yanks’ roster
Here’s a quick list of the Yankees’ main offseason moves:
Signed closer Aroldis Chapman to a five-year, $86-million deal
— Adding Chapman to a unit with Dellin Betances has once again given the Yankees one of the league’s best bullpen back ends.
Traded catcher Brian McCann and $11 million to Houston for two prospects
— The team moved McCann at what was likely his peak trade value, considering Gary Sanchez took the job last season from the veteran, who’s stated his preference to be a starter. The trade netted the Yankees right-hander Albert Abreu, whom MLB.com ranks as the team’s 10th best prospect.
Signed DH Matt Holliday to a one-year, $13-million deal
— Trading McCann opened the DH spot for Holliday, a seven-time All-Star out to prove he’s still got something left in his once-potent bat. Holliday is also expected to provide occasional coverage in the outfield corners and at first base.
Signed infielder Ruben Tejada to a minor-league deal
— Tejada is expected to compete with the light-hitting, slick-fielding Ronald Torreyes for the team’s final bench spot.
Won’t talk extension with Masahiro Tanaka
The 28-year-old ace can become a free agent at season’s end, when he can opt out of the seven-year, $155-million deal he signed before the 2014 season.
Will go to arbitration with Dellin Betances
— The Yankees and Betances have a $2-million gulf between how much each expects the three-time All-Star reliever to get paid in 2017, his first year through salary arbitration. The Yankees want to give Betances $3 million. Betances wants $5 million.
Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.
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