Reds rumors: 1 dream trade, 1 savvy play, 1 to avoid altogether

Reds rumors: A reunion with Aroldis Chapman would make sense for both parties

Reds fans appear split on this trade, based on the way that closer Aroldis Chapman parted from Cincinnati almost ten years ago. There doesn’t appear to be any bad blood from the former Red as he was quoted saying “it would be awesome to play my last year or two years with my first team.”

With Chapman not just open to a return, but seemingly eager to play in Cincinnati again, the front office should jump all over this. Cincy features just one left-handed pitching option in their MLB and Triple-A bullpens combined. To make matters worse, this option, Alex Young, fares much better against right-handed hitters than left. Chapman could begin to solve those problems, as well as being a flamethrowing option to pair with the crafty relievers they feature now.

Chapman is in the midst of one of his hardest throwing seasons in recent memory. His sinker is currently averaging nearly 102 MPH according to baseball savant. That grades out as one of the hardest pitches in baseball. On the positive side for the Reds, Chapman wouldn’t be very expensive. He’s a relief pitcher in his mid 30’s that is only signed through the end of the season. It likely wouldn’t cost a top 30 prospect in the Reds organization to net the elite lefty.

Picture this, Cincinnati baseball fans: Lucas Sims locks down 7th innings, followed by Chapman in the 8th and Alexis Diaz in to close it out in the 9th. That is a backend of the bullpen than can carry a team in October.