The Boston Red Sox are reportedly expected to trade star closer Aroldis Chapman by the trade deadline, per Bob Nightengale on USA Today.
"Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to join his eighth different team, and potentially be in the postseason with his sixth different team," Nightengale wrote. "He is the top reliever available on every contender’s target list, converting 28 consecutive saves dating back to last season, one shy of his career record."
This bombshell news is polarizing in light of Craig Breslow's desire to buy a right-handed bat, saying he wants to make the move at the deadline rather than sell off depth pieces. It's a bold risk, but with the team not gaining any traction in their division and sitting in last place with a 27-35 record, it all depends on what they do this month in June.
So far, they have a 2-2 record, but they have won four of their last six games. If this is truly them turning a corner and gaining their true form, however, that's a completely different story.
As for Chapman, he's been unstoppable since coming to the Red Sox last year in 2025, for what was deemed just a veteran asset in their bullpen with his career winding down. Everyone expected him to show his age, entering his then-37-year-old season, and possibly retire soon after. But that didn't happen...
Aroldis Chapman's value has skyrocketed in Boston
After originally signing a one-year, $10 million prove-it deal for the 2025 season, he recorded a 1.17 ERA with 32 saves and 85 strikeouts. He didn't give up a single hit from July 26th to September 7th, facing 50 consecutive batters during that time. That's the third-longest hitless streak by any pitcher in MLB history. He also didn't give up a single run from July 23rd to the rest of the season, including his one appearance in the Wild Card Series against the New York Yankees in the only game they won.
During the season, the Red Sox and Chapman agreed to a one-year extension through the 2026 season, worth $13.3 million (a $3.3 million pay raise), along with a vesting option for 2027.
In 2026, he's arguably even better, excluding that one appearance against the San Diego Padres back in early April. In 19 2/3 innings, he's posted only a 0.46 ERA with 26 strikeouts in 20 appearances, recording 13 saves so far this season.
With a very weak reliever market, Chapman is the headliner by proxy, mainly due to the Red Sox underperforming this year, and many teams will be more interested, thus leading to a greater return (possibly more than what Chapman is worth).
This could benefit the Red Sox to bolster their depth while figuring out the rest of their roster construction. If this does end up happening, Breslow better be smart and play hardball. His job is on the line after being in part for letting Alex Bregman walk and trading away their franchise player, Rafael Devers, almost exactly one year ago (will be on June 15th).
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