The Boston Red Sox are still in the postseason race, but are not trending in the right direction. They could cut ties with some key players at the trade deadline.
The Red Sox are two games under .500 and have lost five straight. Craig Breslow has noted he does not intend to sell at the trade deadline. However, if the team falls out of contention, he could change his mind. If the Red Sox do become sellers, Aroldis Chapman could draw plenty of trade interest.
Chapman is a seven-time All-Star and is 37 years old. However, he is having one of his best seasons. He has a 1.36 ERA and 14 saves. He has blown just one save and is still lighting up the radar gun. He is slated to be a free agent after the season, and Sports Illustrated's Nick Selbe and Will Laws predicted the Red Sox would trade him to the Detroit Tigers.
"Chapman still touches triple digits regularly and keeps hitters guessing with his four-pitch mix," wrote Seble and Laws. "Even in his 16th season, he still looks plenty capable of anchoring a title contender’s bullpen."
The Red Sox could trade Chapman even if they are in contention. He won't be a part of the team next year, most likely, and the team acquired Jordan Hicks in the Rafael Devers trade. Breslow has noted that they view hicks as a bullpen arm, and he could fill in as the closer. Meanwhile, Chapman could be an elite arm for the Tigers, who own the best record in baseball.
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The Tigers' bullpen has a 3.69 ERA, which is the 13th best in the league. They have the makings of a team that can make a deep run, but adding Chapman would help their case. Will Vest has been fine as the team's primary closer, but Chapman would be an upgrade. His postseason experience alone could be a difference maker.
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