Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees

Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on July 15, 2016 in the Bronx borough of New York City.The Boston Red Sox defeated the New York Yankees 5-3.

(Elsa/Getty Images)

Aroldis Chapman's 102 MPH fastballs have electrified Yankee Stadium more than any closer the team has had since Mariano Rivera. If things break right, triple-digit radar gun readings could become the norm in the Bronx.

Andrew Miller was great in 2015, David Robertson outstanding (if not nerve racking) before that and Rafael Soriano solid during a year Rivera was injured. So far, Chapman's stuff has bested them all.



While the idea of the Yankees holding on to Chapman seems more and more farfetched as the trade deadline approaches, the team is at least considering it if they remain in contention. Not only that, but the marriage between the Yankees and Chapman could be extended beyond 2016 through a contract extension, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.



One possibility that the Yankees are considering if they stay competitive, according to major-league sources: Signing potential free-agent closer Aroldis Chapman to an extension.

The team has yet to initiate any such discussions, sources say, and retains the option of trading Chapman and then re-signing him in the offseason without losing a draft pick.

It's not crazy to imagine New York shipping Chapman out for a prospect, then entering the bidding to bring him back on a long-term deal for 2017. Probably unlikely, but not crazy. The alternative--keeping the dominant flame-thrower through the deadline--does change the equation, especially if the Yankees keep him.

When New York acquired Chapman at a bargain price, it seemed like a one-year rental that worked for both parties. Now, it may be time for Yankees fans to readjust feelings and thoughts on Chapman because he might around for a long time.

Chapman entered play on July 16 sporting a 2.39 ERA and 1.81 FIP since debuting in early May. The free-agent-to-be is making $11.235 million in his final season before free agency and could look to break Jonathan Papelbon's record (four years, $50M) for most guaranteed money in a deal.

Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.