It may only be June, but the Detroit Tigers are already looking like a team bound for October.
With a 46-27 record, they sit comfortably atop the AL Central, leading by nine games. As the trade deadline (July 31) approaches, Detroit’s front office should start eyeing key reinforcements — particularly in the bullpen.
One intriguing target? Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman.
TL;DR:
Aroldis Chapman, 37, is enjoying a strong bounce-back season with a 1.55 ERA, 0.862 WHIP, and 12 saves in 32 games. His fastball still hits 99 mph. The Red Sox, sitting at 37-36 and fourth in the AL East, could look to trade him as he plays out a one-year, $10.75 million deal.
Chapman’s Strong Return to Form
Despite his age, Chapman is turning in one of his best seasons in years. He’s logged:
- 1.55 ERA
- 0.862 WHIP (his best since 2020)
- 39 strikeouts in 29 innings
- 12 saves across 32 appearances
His velocity is still elite, and he remains one of the toughest lefty relievers in baseball.
Boston Could Be Ready to Sell
The Red Sox are hovering around .500 and are 6.5 games back in the AL East. With a youth movement underway — top prospects like Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony have already debuted — Boston may look to the future. Chapman, a pending free agent, is a logical trade chip.
Why Detroit Makes Sense
While the Tigers’ bullpen has held its own, they’re missing a power arm who can dominate late innings. Chapman would immediately boost Detroit’s relief corps and give manager A.J. Hinch:
- A proven strikeout option in tight games
- Flexibility with late-inning matchups
- A playoff-tested arm with 37 postseason games and two rings
Contract Details
- 2025 salary: $10.75 million
- Free agent after this season
- Detroit would owe around $4–5 million if they acquire him at the deadline — a reasonable cost for a player of his caliber
The Takeaway
There’s still time before the deadline, but proactive teams strike early. Chapman is pitching like an elite closer again, and the Tigers have both the need and the resources to make a move.
If Detroit wants to solidify its postseason push, acquiring Chapman could be the key move to make it happen.
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