Could the Pirates Actually Trade Aroldis Chapman?
During the second half of the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Pirates were beginning to see positive results in a collective fashion from their bullpen.
GM Ben Cherington decided to capitalize on the team’s strength by adding Aroldis Chapman to the mix last offseason. The move was quite the surprise around baseball, as they not only brought in the flamethrowing lefty, but signed him to a one-year deal for $10.5 million - a franchise record for a reliever.
The 2024 season for Chapman has certainly been interesting, but for the most part, not the best results.
In 40 appearances with the Bucs, Chapman’s ERA is at 4.15, while his FIP is a tad higher at 4.29. If the season had ended right now, his 1.62 WHIP would be the worst of his career. A major reason for base path activity has been the free passes, and Chapman is doing it a lot, issuing 32 walks in 34.2 innings (8.3 BB/9). Luckily, for the 36-year-old, he’s still racking up the strikeouts with 56 (14.5 K/9).
At this point in ‘24, Chapman has been a replacement level reliever, with a -0.2 WAR and a -0.4 Win Probability Added.
Despite the inconsistencies this year, would the Pirates still make an attempt to move Chapman at the trade deadline?
Perhaps other contenders would have some level of interest in the veteran southpaw, if for nothing else, his name recognition and track record.
Last year, the Kansas City Royals acquired Cole Ragans from the Texas Rangers, in a trade for Chapman. Although on a rental deal, the Royals sold very high on Chapman, and got back a pitcher, who’s become a Top 5 left-handed starter in MLB this season. Based on Chapman’s current value, the Pirates would realistically have to settle for a B level prospect.
At 48-48, Pittsburgh finds themselves just 1.5 games back of a wild card spot in the National League. The pitching is why the Pirates have been able to stay afloat in this wide open race. While the starting rotation is giving them a chance, the bullpen as a whole has been coming together lately. David Bednar and Carmen Mlodzinski have returned to form, Colin Holderman has been outstanding, for the most part, even with some recent hiccups, Kyle Nicolas is beginning to figure things out, and Ryan Borucki, who was a key part of the bullpen a year ago, is expected to return soon off the injured list.
So with that said, should the Pirates at consider trading Chapman? Sure, because you see what offers can be had, but again, going on his trade value currently, if you’re not going to get back a solid, return, then it’s probably better just to keep Chapman. At the very least, it wouldn’t be the worst thing, especially if someone in the Pirates’ bullpen goes thru a second half regression or gets hurt.