The Kansas City Royals signed former All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman in January to strengthen their bullpen and potentially add a trade asset for the summer. As Kansas City falls further down the MLB standings, it already appears to be thinking about selling.
Chapman, age 35, signed a one-year contract late in the offseason after generating limited interest in free agency. The 6-foot-4 southpaw struggled in 2022 with the New York Yankees, posting a 4.46 ERA with a 1.43 WHI{ and a 17.5 percent walk rate.
Diminishing command and decreased fastball velocity (97.7 mph average) generated concerns for MLB teams, even those with significant needs in the bullpen. However, Chapman has returned close to his All-Star form early this season in Kansas City.
- Aroldis Chapman stats (2023): 2.84 ERA, 14.21 K/9, 1.57 FIP, 38.5% K-rate, .174 BAA
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According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Royals have already received trade inquiries from around the league with multiple clubs interested in Chapman.
“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.”
Ken Rosenthal on MLB trade interest in Kansas City Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman
As Rosenthal notes, it’s unlikely a trade happens anytime soon. While Kansas City is open to moving the veteran reliever now, its price is significantly higher because of how early in the season it is. Furthermore, the Royals know there will still be interest in Chapman come July if he’s healthy.
With the Royals closer to landing the first pick in the 2024 MLB Draft than competing for the postseason, they will be sellers this summer. Chapman, who will be a half-season rental, is the perfect trade chip for a rebuilding team with playoff contenders always in the market for relief pitching.
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identifying 3 trade destinations for Aroldis Chapman
Even if Chapman doesn’t maintain his fastball velocity and his command (11.6 percent walk rate) remains an issue, he’s proven to be an effective reliever this season. While no playoff contender would likely feel extremely confident in him stepping in as the closer, he could be an effective set-up man for a World Series contender.
- Aroldis Chapman career stats: 316 saves, 2.48 ERA, 1,065 strikeouts in 652.2 innings
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- Los Angeles Dodgers: Once a strength of this season, the Los Angeles Dodgers currently rank 23rd in ERA. Los Angeles nearly traded for Chapman in 2015 before domestic violence allegations were made against him. Los Angeles also explored signing him this winter. With the club in dire need of quality relievers, he could be an appealing target.
- Philadelphia Phillies: The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the highest payrolls in baseball, but Chapman’s salary ($3.75 million) makes him an affordable option. While the lineup is beginning to stabilize with Bryce Harper back, Philadelphia ranks 26th in bullpen ERA (4.95). It’s an area of improvement for an organization that is all-in on competing for a World Series.
- Toronto Blue Jays: Jordan Romano has two blown saves this season, but a 29.2 percent strikeout rate and .237 BAA suggest he should be fine as the Toronto Blue Jays closer. However, to compete in the AL East, Toronto must address one of its biggest issues (4.11 ERA). Chapman could step in as a set-up man and he brings plenty of experience pitching against the American League.
- New York Mets: Similar to Philadelphia, Chapman is an intriguing option for the New York Mets because of his reasonable salary. While he still wouldn’t fill the void at closer that was created by the Edwin Diaz injury, Chapman would help a bullpen that ranks 19th in ERA (3.97) and is 13th in K/9 (9.37).