3 Braves trade targets Atlanta must avoid at all costs and 1 risk to take

Braves rumors: Aroldis Chapman is a home run the Braves don’t need to hit

For as bad as the White Sox have been this season, they are still not last in the AL Central to begin the year thanks to the immense struggles of the Kansas City Royals.

Not that much was expected of the Royals this season, but the 10-26 start to the 2023 campaign is about as bad as it could be as only the Oakland A’s have a worse record in Major League Baseball right now. Tough scene.

The only redeeming part of Kansas City’s performance this season has been the stars of the bullpen, not the least of which has been closer Aroldis Chapman. The former Yankee signed a one-year deal with the Royals and has looked back in his completely dominant form this season.

In 14 appearances and over 12.2 innings pitched, Chapman has only allowed eight hits all season while striking out 20 and posting a 2.84 ERA and 1.11 WHIP. He’s not been perfect but, stuck on a bad team, he’s been a clear star for this club and is arguably the biggest trade asset.

Amid a number of injuries in the Braves bullpen, that’s another area that Anthopolous could look to improve. Chapman, however, is way too rich of an option. Atlanta already has a nice 1-2 punch at the back of the bullpen now that Raisel Iglesias is back and A.J. Minter is back in his set-up role. They need middle relievers and depth, not a star closer with no spot to fill — especially given what Chapman is likely to cost on the trade market.