MLB Rumors: Top trade targets for the Braves, Cardinals and Cubs
By Mark Powell
MLB Rumors: Chicago Cubs should trade for Aroldis Chapman
What’s wrong with a reunion?
The Chicago Cubs could use some bullpen help — as could most contending squads around the MLB trade deadline — and Aroldis Chapman is very available. In fact, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals have already received calls on Chapman. Reminder: it’s mid-May.
Chapman has struggled of late after an electric start to the regular season. In two of his last three outings, Chapman has given up at least two runs. It’s another reminder that, at this stage of his career, he’s the kind of pitcher who needs a lot of rest.
At his best, Chapman can still throw above 100 mph with some decent breaking stuff to keep hitters honest. He probably shouldn’t be your closer for a postseason series, but enlisting him at the back end of the bullpen is a good idea.
Kansas City will initially demand a king’s ransom for Chapman considering he’s one of their top trade chips, but assuming they come back down to Earth, the Cubs should be able to acquire Chapman for a reasonable price. For example, Chicago could offer a package around their No. 5 prospect, outfielder Jordan Wicks. Wicks is not a top-100 prospect, and he’s not even the best outfield prospect of the bunch.