Cincinnati Reds: 3 familiar faces to trade for not named Aroldis Chapman

Former Red, Aroldis Chapman has been the center of trade rumors recently. But these three former Reds provide more realistic trade options for them.

Former Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has been at the center of a ton of trade rumors regarding a potential reunion with the Cincinnati Reds. This rumor has caused quite the divide between Reds fans.

Many Reds fans are adamant that Nick Krall needs to make a move for Chapman. He is a flame throwing lefty that fills a major hole in a depleted bullpen. Chapman has also shown interest in a reunion to Cincinnati.

On the other hand, Chapman will likely be the most sought-after reliever on the market this year. Trading for him may not be as easy as some may think. Pair that with the fact that Chapman left a sour taste in many Cincinnati fans mouths after a rough departure.

But Chapman isn’t the only former Red on the trade block. There are a few familiar faces that could see a reunion with the Reds, resulting in a much-improved Cincinnati team.

Mets LHP Brooks Raley could be the southpaw reliever the Reds chase instead of Aroldis Chapman

Brooks Raley might not be a name familiar to very many Reds fans. The lefty spent less than half a year in Cincinnati during the shortened Covid season in 2020. In that year, the southpaw reliever tallied just four innings in a Reds uniform, where he allowed four runs before being dealt to the Astros.

Since those four innings with the Reds, Raley has been much improved. He’s recorded ten saves over the last three seasons split between three different MLB teams. His combined ERA is also south of 4.00 in those three seasons.

Raley now resides in New York with the struggling Mets. The Mets are struggling so bad that they may enter selling mode, resulting in them emptying out some of their older veterans, including the 35-year-old Brooks Raley.

Raley fills one of the biggest holes in the 2023 Reds roster: left-handed relief pitcher. Raley would provide the Reds with the southpaw that the Reds so desperately need out of their bullpen. This need has been the main spark to most of the Aroldis Chapman rumors, but the Reds could opt with Raley instead. Raley would likely be much cheaper and cause less of a divide in the fanbase and clubhouse.