Tigers named 'perfect landing spot' for 1.22 ERA flame-throwing closer

At the MLB trade deadline, the Detroit Tigers should be one of the most aggressive teams. With an MLB-best record ahead of the All-Star break, the Tigers can make a major addition by the deadline to bolster their World Series chances.

One of the areas where the Tigers could use a boost is in the bullpen, especially with a closer who can get strikeouts. Fortunately, there is one closer who could be available, that'd be the perfect pickup for Detroit.

Zach Pressnell of Fansided.com identified the Tigers as the "perfect landing spot" for Boston Red Sox flame-throwing reliever Aroldis Chapman.

"The Tigers' bullpen has been solid," Pressnell writes, "But it hasn't been great. Will Vest and Tommy Kahnle have been great a the backend of games, but Detroit could use another arm or two to help lock down the 8th or 9th inning of close games."

Chapman would be such a reliever. He's one of the best relievers in baseball this season, which is remarkable considering this is year 16 in the Majors for the veteran journeyman reliever.

This season with the Red Sox, Chapman has a 1.22 ERA in 37 innings pitched. He also has 55 strikeouts to ten walks, and has a 345 ERA+, the best of his career for one season so far.

If he were to keep up such numbers with the Tigers, the bullpen in Detroit would become one of the most deadly in baseball. What makes Chapman such a perfect fit is how he compares to Vest and Kahnle.

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Both Tigers' top relievers are right-handed pitchers, while Chapman is a lefty. In adding Chapman, the Tigers would be adding a pitcher who can face the heart of lineups, which are mainly compiled of lefty sluggers.

He also has an incredible strikeout stuff, which is something the Tigers need to add. This season, Chapman is striking out 13.4 batters per nine innings. That'd be the top number on the Tigers roster, and just the second reliever above 10.0 strikeouts per nine.

The perfect addition to the Tigers' bullpen at the deadline is a lefty who has great strikeout potential and can close games. Chapman fits every category needed in a perfect reliever for Detroit.

If the Tigers were to leave the MLB trade deadline only adding Chapman, it'd be a successful deadline.

The only issue is whether the Boston Red Sox are willing to part with him, as they're currently in a Wild Card spot and looking to compete for a postseason spot. But if he's up for grabs, Detroit should aggressively pursue the veteran closer.

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