With less than 30 days until the trade deadline, the chatter in the clubhouse is just heating up. And the whispers are coming from the MLB executives’ tables. And for one Boston Red Sox reliever, all that is going in one direction. This July, he might be wearing a different cap!
This 37-year-old has been amazing on the mound, with a dazzling 1.32 ERA. And the Red Sox are relishing every second of it. He’s the kind of ace that every team wants – the one whose fastball still hits 100 mph.
He is “the Cuban Missile” – Aroldis Chapman. As per The Athletic, in the recent survey of over 40 MLB executives, he was “‘overwhelmingly’ picked as the reliever most likely to be traded in July.” Chapman is currently under a one-year contract for $10.75 million, signed in 2024.
Oct 3, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Texas Rangers relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (45) pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning during game one of the Wildcard series for the 2023 MLB playoffs at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
One of the experts involved in the study, Jim Bowden, said it best: “He would be a difference-maker in any bullpen.” And why not? His numbers will tell you.
This season for the Red Sox, he has a very low WHIP of 0.77, with a 1.29 ERA across 35 innings, 51 strikeouts, and only 10 walks. He has saved 15 out of 16 chances, making him one of baseball’s most dependable late-inning pitchers. These impressive stats are exactly why general managers think he might be a game-changing trade chip in July.
And it’s not limited to that! Recently, he crafted his name in the history books.
Chapman got his 350th career save, making him the 14th pitcher and only the third lefty to do so. This season, he has thrown several fastballs over 100 mph, with the fastest being 103.8 mph. Astonishing, right?
So, the Red Sox must offer an extension soon if they are looking to build a great future, because several other clubs are already lining up for him!
From Red Sox to beyond: Four clubs eye Chapman as the deadline approaches
As the Red Sox thinks about its July plan, Newsweek points out four teams that might be great places for Chapman to land. All of which need high-leverage relief and a postseason advantage. These teams seek a flamethrower who can dominate the final innings and alter the course of a series like the best closers can.
The Los Angeles Dodgers always look forward to the playoff race. And Chapman can be the missing piece in their bullpen. Adding a 103-mph shutdown arm might help them win close postseason games. Especially with the pressure building in close games and their injury woes. But they’re not the only ones!
The Philadelphia Phillies are still working on their bullpen. Chapman’s experience and strikeout prowess can boost the team’s confidence in late-game situations. With young talent and the financial means to trade, Philadelphia would benefit from adding him to its pressure-experienced roster.
Then, there is the Seattle Mariners, too, who are quietly putting together a winning team. They see Chapman as the veteran leader they’ve been missing. His presence would enhance their ninth inning and provide clubhouse leadership and left-handed balance.
The club from the Big Apple has also marked its interest. The New York Mets, who several experts have already pointed out need help in their left-handed bullpen, come out as natural bidders. Chapman can be a strong addition to their rotation, enhancing late-game matchups.
This potential move out of the Red Sox is shaping up to be a significant story for the NL East. As the trade deadline nears, do you have any speculations on where Aroldis Chapman will land? Share your thoughts with us…
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