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Three potential landing spots for Aroldis Chapman
High leverage relievers are always in demand at the trade deadline. Left handed relievers, especially those who routinely hit triple digits with their fastball, are worth their weight in prospect gold. Add in playoff experience, including a pair of World Series titles, and that player becomes even more valuable. The Pittsburgh Pirates have such a reliever in Aroldis Chapman.
Chapman is not the reliever he once was. His days as a closer are likely behind him and his command has taken a step back this season. However, he can still throw 103 mph, reaching that mark as he fired a fastball by Sean Murphy to set the all-time strikeout mark for left-handed relievers. He has posted a 3.90 ERA and 1.600 WHIP in his 30 innings this season, striking out 49 batters with 28 walks. He could still help a contending bullpen.
Aroldis Chapman moved into 5th place all-time among relievers with the most strikeouts in MLB:
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 29, 2024
1,197 SO Chapman
1,196 SO Wagner
He is the left-handed reliever with the most SO in the history of the game. pic.twitter.com/zz9xw7L91U
The Pirates are still on the edge of playoff hunt, but should they fall out of the race, Chapman will be a valuable trade chip for the July 30 trade deadline. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots for the lefty reliever.
Kansas City Royals
There is a bit of irony in the Royals as a landing spot for Chapman. The Royals traded him to the Rangers last year for pitcher Cole Ragans and minor league outfielder Roni Cabrera.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo had stated that the Royals would be looking to upgrade their bullpen and outfield and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Royals are prioritizing bullpen help over their outfield. Not only do the Royals need another high-octane arm in the bullpen, but their left-handed relievers have struggled. Bringing Chapman back could make sense.
New York Mets
The Mets have gone from likely sellers to the midst of the playoff hunt. Although Grimace has worked wonders, the Mets have holes to fill to be a contender for a spot in the postseason.
One of those holes is in the back of the bullpen. Edwin Diaz has been inconsistent this year while lefty relievers Jake Diekman and Danny Young have been middling at best. Chapman does have plenty of experience in the ninth inning and would be a solid fallback option should Diaz continue to struggle. He would also lengthen the bullpen, solidifying the seventh or eighth inning once Diaz returns to form.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners may be the only team over .500 in the AL West, but that does not mean everything is perfect in Seattle.
Jon Morosi from MLB Network reported that the Mariners are looking for an everyday bat and bullpen help. A left-handed reliever would make sense as Tayler Saucedo is the only lefty in the Mariners' bullpen. Chapman would also add playoff experience to the roster, joining Ryne Stanek to help guide the young bullpen through October.
More must-reads:
- The Pirates are already wasting Paul Skenes in maddening ways
- The best MLB closers of all time
- The 'No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft' quiz
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