The Boston Red Sox are nine games back in the American League East at 33-36, and depending on how the next month goes, they could be sellers at the trade deadline.
The Red Sox’s offense ranks in the top six in both batting average and runs scored, but still can’t find ways to win games consistently. Boston’s rotation and bullpen have been issues for the team this season
If the Red Sox don’t get on track soon, one player they could part ways with is seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman, and according to Newsweek’s Andrew Wright, Chapman could be a realistic trade target for the Chicago Cubs.
“Chapman was a member of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team and his addition to the backend of the bullpen would be more than welcome,” Wright wrote. “At 37 years old, Chapman’s 99.1 mph average fastball velocity ranks in the 98th percentile, making him still one of the game’s best late-inning relievers.”
“His 11 saves and 37 strikeouts across 27 1/3 innings pitched is eye-opening and he would give the Cubs a much-needed high velocity left-handed pitcher in the bullpen.”
Chapman is on a one-year, $10.75 million deal with the Red Sox, according to Spotrac, and has played great this season. The 37-year-old reliever has a blistering 1.65 ERA across 30 appearances with 37 strikeouts. Chapman played a key role for the Cubs during their 2016 World Series run, and if the Red Sox look to sell at the deadline, trading Chapman on an expiring contract could be a good idea.