Red Sox get good trade deadline news on Aroldis Chapman for odd reason

The Boston Red Sox are having a brutal 2026 season, and the club is very likely to be trade deadline sellers this summer if things don't drastically improve, which doesn't seem likely.

With the Red Sox as likely sellers, someone like Aroldis Chapman is sure to draw plenty of trade interest and be at the center of trade rumors this summer. A recent update corroborated that notion.

According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Red Sox got some good news on Chapman's trade value this summer thanks to an odd reason: his lack of outings in the last 26 days.

Red Sox get good news on Aroldis Chapman trade value

"Well, the good news for the Boston Red Sox' struggles is that closer Aroldis Chapman's trade value has gone up," Nightengale writes. "... Chapman, who has converted all 13 of his save opportunities with a 0.46 ERA, has pitched just twice in the last 26 days, going back to May 18, and has pitched only 19.2 innings this entire season."

While there are going to be plenty of pitchers around MLB who've pitched more than Chapman, the less wear-and-tear of Chapman should be a little appealing to clubs around MLB.

He's not pitched much this season, and it's not even due to a stint on the injured list. The Red Sox just haven't had many chances to use him, and they aren't using him in every opportunity possible.

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Sending Chapman to a World Series contender would make a lot of sense for the Red Sox this summer, as they're likely going to receive a fairly strong return in such a deal.

His 0.46 ERA and limited wear and tear are appealing aspects of Chapman's game this season that could make him the most sought-after reliever trade target this summer.

As Nightengale notes, "There won't be a single reliever traded at the deadline who will have a fresher arm."

While the Red Sox getting an increased trade value for Chapman not pitching is a little odd, it makes sense, as clubs would be able to get a fresh Chapman for a World Series run this season, which might be more appealing than most other bullpen trade targets.

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