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MLB Trade Rumors: Five relief pitcher targets for the Chicago Cubs

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 6, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Anglels during the eighth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees defeated the Angels 5-2. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aroldis Chapman
Jun 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches to the Minnesota Twins in the ninth inning at Target Field. The Yankees win 7-6. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Aroldis Chapman

Andrew Miller is not the only dominant Yankees’ left-handed relief pitcher who would make sense on the North Side of Chicago. Yankees’ closer Aroldis Chapman and his 100 MPH fastball would also look great in the Cubs’ bullpen.

The Yankees acquired Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds this off season, and he has only appeared in 18 games after serving an early season suspension.

Chapman has not been as dominant as usual this year (3.18 ERA and a still stellar but not as elite as usual 36.2% strikeout rate), but he is behind everyone after a late start. A move back to the National League Central could also help Chapman get right back on track.

Considering he will hit free agency this offseason, trading Chapman makes a lot of sense for the fourth-place Yankees. They are not going to sell off like a small market team, but having a guy who is going to command top dollar in free agency around when the Yankees are unlikely to compete would be foolish.

Chapman will be moved and the price is unlikely to be as astronomical as with Miller. That being said, there will be plenty of teams interested in his services.

I could certainly see the Cubs paying the necessary price for Chapman as the missing piece in their bullpen, but I also could see them deciding to pass.

Chapman is an incredibly talented pitcher, but his domestic abuse situation over the offseason is concerning, and the left-hander has always insisted on being his team’s closer.

I am sure Joe Maddon and company could accommodate to Chapman’s wish to close, but taking Rondon out of the closer’s spot when he has been so good would be tough.

If Chapman would be willing to take on a joint closer role with Rondon where the Cubs could play matchups, then this could be a deal that could work extremely well.

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