Could a seven-time All-Star closer be headed back to New York? This time as a member of the Mets? A former player would love to see it happen.
"They have to get another arm, they have to get a back-end of the bullpen (arm)," former Mets pitcher Jerry Blevins said on SNY's "Baseball Night In New York."
"I think Aroldis Chapman is a perfect fit. I don't know where he would be put in (the bullpen). Because (David) Robertson's been so good I wouldn't necessarily push him out but for me, Aroldis Chapman makes everybody better because they can move guys like Brooks Raley down into that sixth/seventh-inning role, Drew Smith down in there, (Adam) Ottavino can be kind of a fill in the gap kind of guy with Robertson and Chapman at the backend."
Chapman has a 2.95 ERA with a 35-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio, .197 batting average against and 1.36 WHIP in 21 1/3 innings for the Kansas City Royals this season.
The 35-year-old has been a set-up man for the Royals, powered by his fastball, which is back up to 99.4 mph on average -- his highest mark since 2017.
Ever since closer Edwin Diaz suffered his severe knee injury, the Mets have been a high-leverage reliever short, and could certainly use a boost in that area. The season has not gone as planned in Queens but owner Steve Cohen has invested so much into the team, they almost have to go for it no matter the record. Adding Chapman into the mix could be a solid first step back into contention.
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