Pirates linked to trade reunion with All-Star 0.48 ERA Red Sox closer

The Pittsburgh Pirates are a legitimate postseason contender this season, as their 33-28 record has them only 5.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers for first place in the NL Central.

While Paul Skenes and the rest of the starting rotation are great, there is a clear need for the Pirates to add some more help to the roster at this year's trade deadline. While offensive firepower is a must, a new closer could be nice as well.

CBS Sports' Mike Axisa, acknowledging such a need, linked the Pirates to a reunion with a Boston Red Sox closer who has a 0.48 ERA this season in flame-throwing All-Star lefty Aroldis Chapman.

Pirates linked to trade for Aroldis Chapman

"Possible landing spots: Two of Chapman's former teams stand out as contenders that need bullpen/closer help: the Cubs and Pirates," Axisa writes.

The Red Sox are struggling a lot this season, and trading some players at the deadline would make sense, with Chapman being one of their more valuable trade chips this season.

He's under club control likely through the 2027 season due to a $13 million contract option that will vest if he hits 40 innings this season. He's currently at 18.2 innings pitched on June 3, and should reach that figure, barring injury.

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Chapman has a 0.48 ERA this season with 12 saves and 25 strikeouts, and a ridiculous 843 ERA+ this season. He's been one of the best relievers in baseball, and if it weren't for the Red Sox's struggles, he might be getting more recognition.

The Pirates, even though Gregory Soto has a sub-2.00 ERA this season, could benefit from adding Chapman to their bullpen.

He pitched for them back in 2024, posting a 3.79 ERA in 68 games, before leaving in 2025 for the Red Sox, where he posted a 1.17 ERA and finished seventh in Cy Young voting.

Chapman would be an incredible pickup for the Pirates, and even if it costs a little bit, landing a superstar closer to pair with their strong pitching staff would be fun.

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