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MLB Rumors: Will Diamondbacks land Aroldis Chapman

By Jonathan Bass

May 30, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 8-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
May 30, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 8-5. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Can Arizona close on a deal with Cincinnati for Aroldis Chapman?

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Not two days ago the Arizona Diamondbacks were holding “exploratory” discussions with the Cincinnati Reds for All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman. Now, according to Jon Heyman, a deal is on the table. The Diamondbacks reportedly made an overnight offer for the closer, and are currently awaiting a response from the Reds.

Arizona has been relatively quiet during the run up to the deadline, but landing Chapman would arguably be the biggest deal of the day. The flame-throwing lefty is one of, if not the best closer in baseball (ironically, the game’s other top closer, Craig Kimbrel, is also on the block today), and would anchor Arizona’s bullpen as it looks to make a push for the second wildcard spot. Arizona GM Dave Stewart has reportedly bundled one of the team’s top minor league prospects in the package for Chapman.

Conversely to Arizona, the Reds have held a fire sale in the run up to this year’s deadline. First they traded ace Johnny Cueto to Kansas City for a trio of left handers. Then yesterday they traded off Mike Leake to the San Francisco Giants for Keury Mella and Adam Duvall. There are also reports that Jay Bruce is heating up the block and could be moved by the day’s end.

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