Mariners could fix Andres Munoz problem with trade for 2.08 ERA Red Sox All-Star

The Seattle Mariners are 41-41 in the regular season, and are looking to try and break away from the rest of the AL West after a poor start to the year.

To do so, the Mariners need to get a little bit better. Cal Raleigh is back, the starting rotation is figured out, and things are looking up. But, there is still a big problem with Andres Munoz this season.

He's struggled as the team's closer, so much so that trading for a new closer is on the table. If they want to fix that issue, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller linked Boston Red Sox 2.08 ERA closer Aroldis Chapman to the Mariners as a trade option to fix this problem.

Mariners linked to trade for Aroldis Chapman to fix closer issue

"Alternatively, Seattle is another potential landing spot for Aroldis Chapman," Miller writes. "He would add about $4M to their 2026 payroll, but that shouldn't be a deal breaker for a team that is all-in on winning now."

This Mariners team came so close to their first World Series bid last season, and after a shaky start this season, they've retaken the AL West lead.

If Seattle want's to capitalize on this iteration of the team, they're going to need to add a bit more help at this year's deadline. Offense couldn't hurt, but ideally, the Mariners add a new reliever.

Chapman, the eight-time All-Star currently with the Red Sox, would be a great option. He has a 2.08 ERA this season, and if he reaches 40 innings pitched (he's at 21.2), his 2027 mutual option will vest and be guaranteed.

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

Munoz has a 5.08 ERA this season, and he has five blown saves with his 14 total saves on the year. His 1.73 ERA from a year ago and 0.00 ERA in the postseason are a far cry from his production this year.

The Mariners need to find a way to fix this problem, and instead of relying on their other pitchers stepping up or Munoz turning it around, trading for Chapman might be the simplest fix possible.

Chapman won't be cheap, as many clubs will have interest in him this summer. But if the Mariners can add him to the bullpen as their new closer, the Seattle pitching staff might be one of the deepest groups in baseball.

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