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MLB Trade Rumors: Chances that Reds deal Aroldis Chapman are 50-50 split

By Kyle Franzoni

Jun 16, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Cincinnati won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches in the ninth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Cincinnati won 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Reds are said to be giving strong consideration to trading closer Aroldis Chapman at the MLB Trade Deadline.

The Cincinnati Reds recognize that there may not be a better time to rebuild their team than there is at the 2015 MLB Trade Deadline. And while the team has already dealt ace Johnny Cueto for some much-needed prospects and outfielder Jay Bruce is also expected to be dealt, the team may not have a better trade chip than closer Aroldis Chapman. As such, the team has given some strong consideration to dealing possibly the best closer in the game.

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According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the chances that the Reds do in fact deal Chapman are likely “50/50” at this point with the deadline looming at 4:00pm EST.

The Reds are likely feeling very encouraged to move Chapman due to the tremendous interest from other teams. That interest is extending beyond the typical buyers at the deadline as well, including many teams out of the race and looking to build for the 2016 season, including the Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, and Arizona Diamondbacks. In fact, the Diamondbacks may be emerging as the front-runners for Chapman.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Arizona has put together what industry sources are saying is a package of two to three prospects that could include the team’s #4 prospect Braden Shipley. The Diamondbacks could compliment that with a package built around Shipley and outfielder Peter O’Brien, although that could be expensive for a closer.

Then again, we’re not talking about just any closer. Aroldis Chapman has 134 saves over the last four seasons and owns a 2.22 ERA, 1.91 FIP, and a 15.4 K/9 ratio. According to FanGraphs, Chapman has averaged 98.8 MPH on his fastball during his career, including 100.2 MPH during the 2014 season. He showcased that heat during the All-Star Game, when Chapman threw 12 of his 14 pitches at 100 MPH and twice hit a high of 103.

The price to acquire Chapman is said to be high, as the Reds are under no need to move him at the deadline. However, with a salary of $8.05 million in 2015 and one more year of arbitration eligibility, he may see a raise upwards of $11 million in 2016, Cincinnati could use that money better elsewhere and find a cheaper option for the back end of the bullpen.

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