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Cubs Linked to Reunion With Eight-Time All-Star, 2016 World Series Champion

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 4:18 PM ET

Reunions are always fun around Major League Baseball, and for the Chicago Cubs, there are a few players they could consider doing that with.

One of them is Aroldis Chapman, arguably one of the greatest closers Major League Baseball has ever seen.

When Chapman was with the Cubs, the expectation was for him to be lights out, and he did just that, helping them win a World Series in 2016.

Chapman departed after that year, landing with the New York Yankees.

However, now that time has settled, and he’s continued to throw the baseball at a very high level, it's possible that the Cubs could be looking at another chance here.

The Athletic recently linked them to a deal with the Boston Red Sox for the left-hander, adding that he still has an electric fastball and could be used in contending teams' bullpens like the Cubs.

“Chapman’s fastball still regularly hits triple digits at age 37 and he continues to be one of the league’s most dominant relievers, with the added wrinkle that he’s working in the strike zone more than ever.

“He’s capable of dramatically altering a contender’s bullpen as a setup man or a closer. And this is nothing new for Chapman, who was traded mid-season in 2016 and 2023, winning the World Series with his new team in both years,” they wrote.

Jed Hoyer has noted multiple times that he plans to improve his bullpen and rotation during the deadline.

If he wants someone like Chapman, it’ll require a decent prospect package, but Chapman could also sway a playoff series.

If the Cubs can guarantee themselves three outs at the end of the game, they should find themselves in a good position come October.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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