Most Likely Trade Destinations for Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman

As the trade deadline approaches, one name that is almost certain to be dealt is New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman.

With so much uncertainty surrounding the Yankees and their deadline plans, an Aroldis Chapman trade feels like the only guarantee. A free agent at the end of this season, Chapman is an elite closer and could potentially be the final piece to a championship team.

Teams will line up to acquire his services for a few reasons. For one, he’s arguably the most dominant closer in baseball right now not named Andrew Miller. His fastball routinely hits 100 MPH or above, and he is as intimidating as they come. 

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Teams will line up for a chance to get Chapman in what is a so-so reliever market. Besides Miller and Chapman both being available, the best of the rest include guys like Arodys Vizcaino, Will Smith, Jeremy Jeffress and Fernando Abad. All good players, no doubt, but none compare to the elite status of Miller or Chapman.

Out of “No-Runs DMC”, I’d say that Chapman has the greatest chance at being dealt, with Miller behind him. If the Yankees do deal Chapman, they will get a solid return, but not nearly as great as they would for Miller. So, let’s take a look at who has the pieces and reasons to make a deal for Chapman.

Texas Rangers– Outside of closer Sam Dyson and Tony Barnette, the Rangers bullpen has little to offer in terms of effectiveness. Former closer Shawn Tolleson‘s ERA sits at 7.31, and the rest of their middle relief corps is in flux, much like the Yankees. Adding Chapman would really give the Rangers, who have the best record in the AL, a boost come playoffs. In terms of a potential return, the Yankees would get things going by at least asking about Joey Gallo, though Texas probably wouldn’t deal him for a rental. A more realistic idea would be to ask for resurgent infielder Jurickson Profar or prospect Lewis Brinson.

Washington Nationals- I feel that the Nationals have the best chances at Chapman for a few reasons. They’re managed by Dusty Baker, who managed Chapman in their days with the Cincinnati Reds. Nats’ assistant GM Bob Miller was also part of the Reds front office when they signed him out of Cuba. More importantly, the Nationals have been in search of relief help for a while now, even before Jonathan Papelbon‘s injury.

This wouldn’t be the first time they’d be going after Chapman, and a June report from NJ.com explained that Washington remains hopeful he hits the open market. Super prospects Lucas Giolito and Trea Turner would be off limits, especially for a rental, but prospects A.J Cole, Wilmer Difo and Erick Fedde could all be options. 

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Los Angeles Dodgers- Everyone remembers the deal L.A. had in place to acquire Chapman this past winter, but that fell through as a result of his domestic violence allegations. The Dodgers bullpen has vastly improved this season, but aside from Kenley Jensen, they lack another power arm. Given their rotation woes, the Dodgers would love to strengthen their bullpen to shorten games. Obviously, Julio Urias is off limits but Frankie Montas and Grant Holmes could represent solid returns for Chapman.

Chicago Cubs- Baseball’s best team will look to get even better at the deadline, with strengthening the bullpen as their No.1 priority. Reports have already surfaced about Chicago scouting the Yankee’s trio of Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller and Chapman. Reports have also said that Miller is the team’s highest priority, but based on the Yankees sky-high price, the Cubs may look to acquire Chapman instead.

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In terms of prospects, the Cubs boast one of the game’s best systems, even after losing some of the talent to the majors in recent years. Duane Underwood, Albert Almora or Jeimer Candelario all represent intriguing trade chips for the Yankees.