The Boston Red Sox are slumping a bit. After winning six games in a row, they now have lost four consecutive games.
That skid has them at 40-41, six games back in the American League East but just 2 1/2 back in the Wild Card race.
If they continue to slide, they could potentially end up being sellers at the trade deadline, at least to a degree. They have a few intriguing trade chips if that is what they decide to do.
Chad Jennings, Aaron Gleeman and Tim Britton of The Athletic believe that Aroldis Chapman could bring back a good haul.
"The Red Sox and Cardinals could trade their closers (Aroldis Chapman and Ryan Helsley) for a meaningful return, while entrusting the ninth inning to someone younger."
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The Red Sox are not out of contention. They even are within striking distance in the AL East at just six games back.
However, Chapman good bring back a solid return if they decide to trade him. The seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion is 3-2 with a 1.36 ERA in 36 appearances and has saved 14 games.
The former reliever of the year is also on an expiring contract, and if last year's trade deadline was any indication, rental pitchers will bring back meaningful returns once again.
The Red Sox recently traded Rafael Devers, much to the surprise and anger of their fanbase, so selling isn't completely off the table. Their strategy isn't clear yet, but trading Chapman wouldn't necessarily mean throwing away the season.
It will be interesting to see what Chapman's market looks like.
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