MLB Rumors: 3 Cardinals trade targets to steal from the basement-dwelling Royals

MLB Rumors: Cardinals should trade for Aroldis Chapman

Aroldis Chapman’s fiery start eventually had to cool down, and it did with time. However, the Royals reliever is back on track lately, giving up just one run in his last five outings. Ironically enough, that run came against St. Louis, perhaps a sign that he’s not destined to face them again in the near future.

Earlier this season, the Royals did receive trade calls on Chapman, per Ken Rosenthal:

"“The more intriguing development is that the Royals already are receiving calls on Aroldis Chapman, according to major-league sources who were granted anonymity so they could speak candidly. Chapman, who signed a one-year, $3.75 million, free-agent contract, is averaging 99.3 mph with his fastball and 87.9 mph with his slider, his highest velocities with those pitches since 2017 and ‘16, respectively.”"

They did not bite, though, betting on his value being higher near the trade deadline. St. Louis doesn’t have a massive hole in the bullpen, but they are missing some firepower. Jordan Hicks just isn’t that guy, but Chapman could be. He won’t reach 103 mph on a regular basis these days, but Chapman’s mid-to-upper 90’s fastball combined with what can be a filthy slider when it’s right is not to be played with.

Those velocity numbers have dipped a bit, but if Oli Marmol can manage Chapman’s innings well enough, he could just be hitting his stride down the stretch.