Boston Red Sox reliever Aroldis Chapman has done his part this season, but the team hasn’t been able to capitalize on his strong play.
They currently sit at last in the American League East with a 27-35 record coming into Sunday.
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While an earlier report suggested that Chapman would not be shopped on the trade market, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said otherwise in a recent story.
“Aroldis Chapman is expected to join his eighth different team, and potentially be in the postseason with his sixth different team,” Nightengale wrote in a report on Sunday. “He is the top reliever available on every contender’s target list, converting 28 consecutive saves dating back to last season, one shy of his career record.”
In fairness, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the Red Sox to capitalize on Chapman’s value while it’s high.
So far this season, he’s appeared in 20 games and has recorded 26 strikeouts with nine walks and a 0.46 ERA. In save opportunities, Chapman is a perfect 13-for-13 this year.
Additionally, the Red Sox likely have enough talent in their other relief pitchers to make Chapman more expendable.
The 38-year-old may have more trade value now than he will for the rest of his career, so a move to his eighth team is a serious possibility.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
