Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman is reportedly on the trade block as the organization looks to acquire some young talent after finishing last in the National League Central in 2015.
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Chapman ‘Eminently Available’ in Trade Talks
Tuesday, Nov. 10
Jon Heyman of CBS Sports reports Chapman is one of several high-profile closers, including the San Diego Padres‘ Craig Kimbrel, who could be moved if the price is right. In the Reds’ case, they are seeking a “haul of young players” in return for the fireballer.
“Everyone’s closer is available,” one GM told CBS Sports. “People, especially the young GMs, have no fear of trading their closer.”
The report also notes the Arizona Diamondbacks, Washington Nationals, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees headlined the group of teams that asked about Chapman at the trade deadline.
The 27-year-old Cuba native was originally slated to become a starter for Cincinnati. His inconsistent control made him a better fit for the back end of the bullpen with his dominant stuff, however, and he’s stayed in that role over the past six years.
His career numbers are terrific. He’s racked up 146 saves with just 18 blown opportunities while sporting a 2.17 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 324 games. His high-powered fastball has also helped him register an eye-popping 546 strikeouts in 319 innings.
Alas, in an era where the importance of a defined closer is up for debate, it seems like teams are trying to get peak return for the top players at the position before the value is fully redefined. Chapman certainly falls in that category.
The question is whether any team is willing to trade a package of young players and prospects to acquire a reliever. A flooded market doesn’t bode well for Cincinnati’s hopes of getting its desired return.
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