Aroldis Chapman may be headed to the Dodgers as he continues to be linked to trade rumors.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are now being linked to Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman in trade rumors. They still looking to recover from the loss of starting pitching ace Zack Greinke, and they are still in need of a bullpen upgrade. Although Kenley Jansen has been a solid closer for the Dodgers, Chapman would be difficult to resist if the Dodgers are willing to part ways with prospects. MLB on FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal revealed the latest rumor surrounding the Reds All-Star closer.
Sources: #Dodgers in talks to acquire Aroldis Chapman from #Reds for prospects.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 6, 2015
Chapman has been a consistent force for the Reds while also becoming well-known for throwing ridiculously quick fastballs that can reach 105 mph. Chapman notched 33 saves with 116 strikeouts in 66 innings for a 1.63 earned run average, and he has been a strikeout machine since entering the majors. Although the Reds have an elite closer in Chapman, the 27-year-old is one of the few reliable players on the team.
The Reds only won 64 games in the 2015 season, so they are looking to rebuild and will be in selling mode until they can acquire promising prospects. The Dodgers are looking to put two consecutive first-round playoff exits behind them and emerge as even more serious World Series contenders, and a bona fide closer may be the answer for them. They are also looking hard for starting pitching help to offset the loss of Greinke, who signed a six-year, $206.5 million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks.