Aroldis Chapman trade rumors: Giants have inquired about Reds' closer

Joe Rodgers

Aroldis Chapman trade rumors: Giants have inquired about Reds' closer image

THE RUMOR: The Giants have inquired about Reds closer Aroldis Chapman.

REPORTED BY: Fox Sports' Jon Paul Morosi.

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THE DETAILS: No offers have been exchanged, but according to ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Reds want one "elite" prospect, plus two more "better than average" players for Chapman. 

THIS SEASON: Chapman owns a 1.73 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 41 2/3 innings to go with 20 saves this season. He is making $8.05 million this year and will become a free agent after the 2016 season. The Nationals are among other teams also interested in the left-hander, whose fastball regularly exceeds 100 mph. 

OUR TAKE: With the Giants having won nine of their past 10 entering Monday's game, the defending World Series champions are preparing to load up for another postseason run. The Giants are believed to have checked in on a wide range of starters — Cole Hamels among them — but the bullpen needs help, too. In the seventh inning or later, Giants pitchers have a 3.55 ERA, which is 18th in the majors. Current closer Santiago Casilla (2.97 ERA) has 26 saves in 30 opportunities this season, but he is not the All-Star that Chapman is.

The Reds' high asking price may be too steep for the Giants, who lack a major league-ready arm or an obvious high-ceiling offensive prospect for 2016. 

 

Joe Rodgers