The Tigers are eyeing a specific type of bullpen upgrade as the trade deadline approaches – a left-handed closer who can miss bats at an elite level.
Aroldis Chapman checks every box.
Gia Nguyen of Sports Casting pegged the seven-time All-Star as Detroit’s top deadline target, writing that “Aroldis Chapman might be the name that gets Tigers fans most excited at the deadline.”
Perfect Storm for a Trade
Chapman’s situation in Boston makes him one of the more realistic relievers to move at the deadline. He’s 37 years old and hitting free agency after the season – two factors that could push the Red Sox to cash in if they’re not playoff-bound come late July.
The veteran lefty has been dominant over his 16-year career, posting a 2.57 ERA with 350 saves across 834 appearances. What’s more impressive is how he’s still dealing this season.
Chapman’s posted a 1.29 ERA through 38 appearances with 15 saves. His 51 strikeouts to 10 walks ratio shows he’s still got that elite command, and his 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings dwarfs what any Tigers reliever is producing right now.
Elite Production When It Matters
That strikeout rate is exactly what makes Chapman such an attractive target for Detroit. He’s built his career on missing bats – his 1.091 WHIP over 16 seasons speaks to that ability to avoid traffic on the bases.
This season’s been even better. Chapman’s 0.771 WHIP is the best mark of his career, showing he’s limiting baserunners at an elite level while maintaining that strikeout stuff.
It’s the combination that makes him one of baseball’s best relievers when he’s on.
The Left-Handed Factor
Chapman brings something else Detroit’s bullpen lacks – a southpaw arm. With Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle anchoring the back end as righties, adding a lefty of Chapman’s caliber would give manager A.J. Hinch serious flexibility in high-leverage situations.
As Nguyen points out, “Adding Chapman would be the kind of all-in move that signals that Detroit is serious about making a deep October run.”
That’s exactly the type of statement Detroit needs to make if they’re going to capitalize on this season’s momentum.
Chapman might be the perfect deadline addition for Detroit’s bullpen. With Alex Bregman also generating interest as a potential third base upgrade, the Tigers figure to keep close tabs on what the Red Sox are thinking as the deadline approaches.
The pieces are there for Detroit to make a serious push. Adding Chapman would signal they’re ready to go all-in.
