Will Rangers pursue Aroldis Chapman with Red Sox trade?

The Texas Rangers are hovering around the .500 mark at 43-42, yet they lead the American League West standings as of this story’s writing. The Rangers are likely going to buy before the MLB trade deadline as the ball club looks to win its first World Series championship since 2023. One pitcher who was on that ’23 championship roster, Aroldis Chapman, may be made available for a potential trade by the Boston Red Sox before the deadline. So, will the Rangers look to pursue a reunion with the left-hander?

Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently published an article looking at the biggest trade deadline needs for contenders around the MLB world. For the Rangers, Feinsand noted their biggest need is the bullpen. Feinsand mentioned Chapman’s name while discussing Texas’ trade deadline outlook as well.

“The Rangers’ 7.8 strikeouts per nine ranks last among all AL bullpens, so adding some hard-throwing, high-leverage relievers could be in the cards. Perhaps a reunion with Aroldis Chapman? It worked in 2023, so you never know,” Feinsand wrote.

Chapman began 2023 with the Kansas City Royals but was later traded to the Rangers. The move certainly worked, as he turned in a 2.25 ERA in nine games during the postseason. The Rangers may not have won the World Series without Chapman’s contributions out of the bullpen.

At 38 years old, Chapman is still one of the best closers in all of MLB. He has pitched to a 2.19 ERA to go along with 16 saves so far this season with the Red Sox.

It remains to be seen if the Rangers will pursue a reunion with Aroldis Chapman, but it is a move that would make sense.