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4 hours ago
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The Los Angeles Dodgers are tied with the Detroit Tigers for the best record in Major League Baseball at 51-31. They also have a 6 1/2 game lead over the San Diego Padres in the NL West.
However, their pitching staff has been hit hard by injuries and other issues. The starting rotation has been torn apart.
The bullpen could also use some work, as Tanner Scott hasn't panned out as the Dodgers closer. Another back-end arm wouldn't hurt.
Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated listed Aroldis Chapman as a trade candidate and had the Dodgers as a potential fit.
"Playing for his fifth team in four years, Chapman could be headed for a sixth if the Red Sox continue their slide down the standings. And his form could ensure that the cost to acquire him is much steeper than a typical 37-year-old free agent to be. That’s because the lefty has been as lights-out as ever, with a 38.1% strikeout rate and a career-best 7.9% walk rate," Selbe wrote.
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Boston signed Chapman to a one-year, $10.75 million contract last offseason. He's 3-2 with a 1.36 ERA in 36 appearances and has recorded 14 saves with the Red Sox.
Chapman was almost traded to the Dodgers prior to the 2016 season, but was ultimately traded to the New York Yankees instead. This time, the Dodgers could certainly use him.
The 37-year-old left-hander is a seven-time All-Star, former Reliever of the Year and two-time World Series champion. He could significantly boost the Dodgers bullpen and give them another high-leverage arm towards the back end of games.
He spent last season with the Pittsburgh Pirates and posted a 3.79 ERA in 68 appearances while also recording 14 saves.
The Dodgers will have to give up a good chunk of prospects to get this potential deal done if they do decide to target the left-hander, but they have the depth in their farm system to pull it off.
We'll see if the Dodgers show interest.
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