Teams always need pitching. Contenders even more so. The Philadelphia Phillies are at the top of the list when it comes to a need in the bullpen.
After adding Gregory Soto, Craig Kimbrel and Matt Strahm this offseason, the Phillies felt good about their bullpen heading into the 2023 MLB season.
But through 48 games this season, Philadelphia's unit has posted a 4.06 ERA, nowhere near what a contender must produce in order to pursue a World Series championship.
With Seranthony Dominguez looking like a shell of himself, Gregory Soto holding a 4.64 ERA and Craig Kimbrel boasting a bloated a 6.35 ERA, Philadelphia needs help.
Enter seven-time MLB All-Star Aroldis Chapman.
Currently helping close for the rebuilding Kansas City Royals, Chapman holds a 2.89 ERA with a 1.286 WHIP over 18.2 innings pitched this season.
Those numbers right there would make him the most productive reliever in the bullpen, at least until Jose Alvarado returns from injury.
Couple that with the fact that President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski is always aggressive on the trade front, especially in terms of adding bullpen talent, and the deal just seems to make sense.
On a one-year, $3.75 million contract, he would come at a relatively inexpensive financial cost. The real hit would be on the prospect cost. However, relief pitching is much cheaper at the deadline than starting pitching and fixing a bullpen could help lend confidence to the rest of the pitching staff.
That being said, Chapman, who is 35 years old, would not require a hefty trade package to acquire. It could be a pill the Phillies are willing to swallow if they believe he can move the needle in their contention goals.
The fit with the Phillies makes sense, which is why so many outlets have him linked to Philadelphia.
As it stands, the Phillies should continue to be seen as a favorite to land the closer.
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