The Chicago Cubs are currently in wild card position in the National League, but have their sights set on winning the National League Central.
They entered play on Tuesday, 6 1/2 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, but they have some time to close the gap. They could look to add at the trade deadline to make that happen, and Aroldis Chapman could be a target. The Boston Red Sox are looking like they will be sellers at the deadline, and Chapman will be a hot name among contenders looking to add.
His $13 million for next season will guarantee with 40 innings pitched this year and a passed physical. The 38-year-old is an All-Star this year and can be a very valuable piece for a team looking to make a deep run in October. The Cubs could use a closer, and the last time Chapman was a Cub, they won the World Series.
Chapman was traded to the Cubs in 2016 and pitched in 28 regular-season games. He posted a 1.01 ERA and notched 16 saves. He pitched in 13 postseason games before signing with the New York Yankees in the offseason. The Cubs are currently utilizing a closer-by-committee with Daniel Palencia on the injured list.
Their team leader in saves is Palencia with three, and he has not played since June 15. Chapman could give them a shutdown ninth-inning man and make Craig Counsell's management of the bullpen a little easier. The Red Sox have no reason to hang on to him if they are out of the postseason race.
They have Garrett Whitlock, who could take over as the closer if Chapman is gone. Whitlock has the stuff to be a solid closer, and would get that opportunity if Chapman were dealt.