Pirates urged to trade for flame-throwing Red Sox closer to fix bullpen issue

The Pittsburgh Pirates are one of the more surprising teams of the 2026 MLB season, as they've gone from one of the worst teams in the league to one that has a legitimate chance of making the postseason.

But, as they are right now, they really need to improve the roster to have a real chance at the playoffs. The offense has been good, but the Pirates' pitching staff, specifically the bullpen, needs help.

ESPN's David Schoenfield is urging the Pirates to fix their Gregory Soto and closer issue by going out and reuniting with flame-throwing closer Aroldis Chapman in a trade with the Boston Red Sox. Such a move would make perfect sense for the Pirates this summer.

Pirates urged to trade for Aroldis Chapman from Red Sox

"The Pirates are in the bottom half of the majors in bullpen ERA and win probability added as Gregory Soto, the primary closer, has a terrible ratio of 11 saves to four blown saves and is too erratic to be a playoff closer," Schoenfield writes. "Of course, they need to get there first, which is why they need Chapman.

Chapman, the Red Sox left-handed closer, is the best reliever who could be dealt this season around MLB. The Pirates, with a chance to make a postseason run, would benefit greatly from adding Chapman this summer.

He has a 2.19 ERA this season, as the 38-year-old closer still is one of the best relievers in baseball. While he might not be a long-term solution, he'd be a big help in 2026.

MORE: Red Sox need middle infield help at trade deadline amid renewed postseason hope

But if he reaches 40 innings pitched in 2026, Chapman would have his 2027 option vest, giving the Pirates an extra year of club control.

Pittsburgh cannot keep relying on Soto to be their closer this season, and Chapman, the left-handed flame-thrower, would be about the best possible player they could pick up.

Reuniting with Chapman would make a lot of sense for the Pirates. He's exactly what this team needs to fix their Soto issue and improve one of the weakest areas of the roster.

It won't guarantee a postseason spot, but for a Pirates team with a ton of potential, Chapman is the exact kind of trade deadline move that would excite fans and help the team make a run for some October baseball for the first time in a while.

More MLB news:

• Red Sox urged to sell at MLB trade deadline despite recent hot streak
• All-Star update for Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is totally ridiculous
• 3 reasons why Braves are perfect fit for Tarik Skubal at MLB trade deadline
• Blue Jays’ Max Scherzer problem has rotation as top trade deadline need
• Aaron Nola’s struggles might force Phillies to trade for a starting pitcher