MLB Rumors: Trade grades for Braves, Aroldis Chapman, Aaron Hicks

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Aroldis Chapman, Royals, MLB trade rumors (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

Chicago Cubs: Aroldis Chapman

If the Chicago Cubs are able to turnaround their season, and are in position to buy at the 2023 trade deadline, then their top priority is going to be upgrading the bullpen.

One reliever that has already been generating trade interest is Kansas City Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman. But it’s difficult to see a reunion taking place.

The Cubs, of course, acquired Chapman from the New York Yankees in 2016 in exchange for Rashad Crawford, Billy McKinney, Gleyber Torres and Adam Warren. It turned out to be a rental, but Chapman was dominant in Chicago where he posted a 1.01 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 26.2 innings.

Chapman, 35, is not the same pitcher that he was in 2016, but he’s still been quite effective to the tune of a 3.24 ERA and a 27/11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 16.2 innings. But I have a hard time seeing him ending up back in Chicago.

Grading the fit: 3/10.

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