Boston Red Sox Target Aroldis Chapman: MLB Trade Deadline Rumors

The trade deadline is usually the place where the game's best and worse come together, at least, record wise. They trade each other headaches. The best take the best and trade off current headaches (players) for future ones. According to Over The Monster, the Red Sox are targeting the Cincinnati Reds fireball welding closer. Aroldis Chapman, says Over The Monster, remains a target for the Red Sox as one of several moves that are more for next year than this. Only the most dyed-in-wool optimist is still holding out hopes for a 2015 playoff run.

As Alex Skillin at Over the Monster explains, "The Red Sox find themselves in a position similar to last season, where they're not looking to sell and rebuild but rather reload for next year. As a result, Cherington shouldn't hesitate to add a difference-making reliever if the opportunity arises." With the Cincinnati Reds in full fire sale mode, Chapman could be moved and the Red Sox could indirectly shape the way the playoffs turn out. What team wouldn't want this at the back end of their bullpen?

In 40 appearances as Cincinnati's closer this year, Chapman has posted a 1.56 ERA and 1.52 FIP and struck out nearly two batters per inning. The left-hander remains the hardest-throwing pitcher in the game by a wide margin. According to the StatCast leaderboards, he's recorded the 50 fastest individual pitches in baseball this season. Obviously, Chapman has the stuff and ability to completely shut down a game and that becomes doubly important in the playoffs, not that the Red Sox are going to get there this year.

Another proposal that is quite possible is Kevin Gausman of the Baltimore Orioles, according to MassLive. These two teams are division rivals but they have a history of dealing with each other, Last year, Boston swapped reliever Andrew Miller for a young pitcher. That could happen again as the Orioles need offense. MassLive says, "The Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays are said to be looking to improve their clubs at the trade deadline. In the Orioles case, that could mean trading one of their top young starters, as ESPN's Buster Olney said via Twitter that 24-year-old starter Kevin Gausman could be available."