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.
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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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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.
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