Red Sox all-star closer surprisingly predicted to land with NL club in recent trade rumor

May 16, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman (44) throws out Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim (7) in the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Despite all the troubling series for the Boston Red Sox this season, they are still just a few games out of an AL Wild Card spot. So, no way they would actually trade Aroldis Chapman right? There have been a few reports from MLB insiders that suggest the Red Sox may take some calls on Chapman with several teams interested (of course), but nothing has materialized to this point. 

The 8x MLB All-Star Chapman continues to tormet MLB with his 103 MPH fastball and wipeout offspeed pitches. Chapman holds a 0.48 ERA this season over 19 appearances with 12 saves and 25 strikeouts. A recent rumor urges a shocking NL club to make a trade for Aroldis Chapman. 

Washington Nationals urged to make move for Aroldis Chapman

What?? How are the Washington Nationals being urged to trade for a star like Aroldis Chapman?

Well, in a recent trade rumor piece by FanSided.com's Christopher Kline, Chapman is the 'perfect trade deadline target' for an NL Wild Card contender in the Nationals (and yes, the Nationals are firmly in the NL Wild Card discussion for now): 

"Boston's ongoing implosion could put 38-year-old fireballer Aroldis Chapman on the chopping block. He's a pure rental, especially for a team like Washington, but he's on the shortlist of MLB's best relievers and he would address a crippling weakness for the Nats. It really feels like Washington can hit its way into the Wild Card hunt, but their inability to hold leads on the mound is a constant drag."

No doubt, the Nationals absolutely need a closer to shut things down in the ninth inning if they want to compete for a playoff spot in a tough NL, but the entire baseball world would be appalled if they were able to land the 'Cuban Missile'. 

However, under new front office leadership in Washington, ya never know what madness may transpire when August's trade deadline rolls around. 

More MLB news: 

• Padres-Twins trade prediction sends MLB All-Star starter to San Diego for two prospects

• Pirates urged to trade for Baltimore Orioles 2X MLB All-Star in recent rumor

• New York Yankees manager drops Aaron Judge concern before Guardians series