MLB rumors: 5 favorites to trade for Aroldis Chapman
By Josh Wilson
Favorites to trade for Aroldis Chapman: Philadelphia Phillies
Is Craig Kimbrel broken again? After coming over to the Phillies in the offseason, his ERA has skyrocketed to 6.35 this season, with a WHIP of 1.412. Kimbrel has five saves so far this season but has been one of the struggling players preventing Philadelphia from capitalizing on the excitement they generated from a surprise run to the World Series in 2022.
At this point, it’s looking like they may not even make the playoffs in 2023.
As a unit, the relievers in Philly put up lots of strikeouts per nine innings, but are high on ERA and sixth-worst in relief WHIP.
Chapman would give them options. Kimbrel or Chapman could both feasibly close games, and since they throw with opposite hands (Kimbrel right, Chapman left) Rob Thompson could make that decision somewhat situationally if both are on their A-game, which feels like a best case scenario given the mercuriality of both pitchers. They also have two completely different styles, with Kimbrel using a breaking ball 33% of the time. Chapman relies primarily on his velocity to get batters out.
Remember, Kimbrel has had issues with his throwing mechanics in the past, and he’s had to rework those things mid-season. He was pulled from the closer role by the Dodgers last year, and that might be the move for Philly this year if they made an acquisition for someone such as Chapman.
Finally, much like the Cardinals, we have another team from this division later on the list which could motivate the Phillies to move more aggressively than they otherwise might.