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The Boston Red Sox are expected to trade reliever Aroldis Chapman before the August deadline, it has been claimed.
The Red Sox have had a frustrating 2026, firing manager Alex Cora in April and are last in the American League East with a 27-36 record. They lost 6-1 to their fierce rivals the New York Yankees on Sunday.
But eight-time All-Star closer Chapman has been a bright spot for the team and has a magnificent 0.46 ERA in 20 games so far in the 2026 campaign. And according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, plenty of other teams across Major League Baseball are eyeing a move.
‘Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman is expected to join his eighth different team, and potentially be in the postseason with his sixth different team,’ Nightengale said.
‘He is the top reliever available on every contender’s target list, converting 28 consecutive saves dating back to last season, one shy of his career record.’
Chapman, 38, could fetch a haul for the team if the race to trade for him hots up before the deadline.
Boston Red Sox are expected to trade reliever Aroldis Chapman before the August deadline
Chapman, 38, has been in superb form this season while his team has struggled overall
He is a two-time World Series winner so would bring plenty of experience to any team with genuine postseason aspirations – winning rings with the Texas Rangers and Chicago Cubs.
But for now, at least, the Red Sox will likely try and keep hold of Chapman and try to close the gap on surrounding teams.
The Athletic reported on Saturday that the team has fielded calls on Justin Slaten and Garrett Whitlock, as well as Chapman, but said they have no desire to trade any of them just yet.
‘I think we need to run our own race,’ chief baseball officer Craig Breslow was quoted as saying Friday.
‘We need to make sure that we kind of get our own house in order. We need to play better. We need to win more games, and at that point, we can kind of figure out where we are relative to the league.’
The Red Sox have a three-game series against American League East rivals and leaders Tampa Bay Rays in Florida on Monday.
