Brewers tabbed as trade suitor for 2.08 ERA Red Sox closer amid 9th inning problem

The Milwaukee Brewers are one of the best teams in baseball this season, and they're very much a World Series contender thanks to their elite starting rotation duo of Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison.

In such good standing, it would make sense for the Brewers to add to their roster at the MLB trade deadline. There's been much talk about Tarik Skubal, or another starter, being added to this team. But the bullpen shouldn't be ignored.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report linked the Brewers to Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman as the possible solution to the team's 9th-inning problem this season.

Brewers linked to trade for Aroldis Chapman to fix 9th-inning problem

"More likely, they'll look to do something about Trevor Megill's struggles and what has been a team-wide 4.74 ERA in the ninth inning this season," Miller writes. "And without a close runner-up, the top closer thought to be available this summer is Boston's Aroldis Chapman."

Milwaukee would do well to add to its bullpen, especially if it adds Chapman as a premier closer to help the Brewers fix their issue in the 9th inning.

With their pitchers having a 4.74 ERA in the 9th, they're risking blowing leads, especially come the postseason when every run counts.

Chapman has a 2.08 ERA this season and a 2.51 ERA in his long MLB career. He's been one of the better relievers in baseball this season, and he's likely en route to a ninth All-Star bid this season.

MORE: Red Sox looking likely to trade Aroldis Chapman, Sonny Gray, Jarren Duran, and Willson Contreras

He has 14 saves, and across 21.2 innings, he has 29 strikeouts and a 1.81 FIP, indicating he's a little bit better than his 2.08 ERA indicates.

The veteran left-hander is under club control through the 2027 season if he reaches 40 innings pitched this year, as his 2027 mutual option would vest if he reaches that mark.

With the Red Sox likely sellers, adding Chapman this summer wouldn't be too difficult, although the rest of the closer-needy clubs will also be vying for Chapman as the clear best reliever available this year.

But if the Brewers can land Chapman, he'd be exactly the kind of fix they need for their 9th-inning problem right now. This trade link makes a ton of sense, and might be a more ideal pickup than a Skubal or Freddy Peralta type at this year's deadline.

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