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The sky might be falling with the Boston Red Sox off to a slow start. After Boston salvaged one game against the Minnesota Twins in their three-game series, Alex Cora made a very insightful note after the game, claiming, “We’re going to win games if we pitch well”.
It’s still a little bit early to start thinking about trades, but if the Red Sox don’t turn things around, they could quickly become a target for the rest of MLB in terms of some of their quality players being dealt. A recent trade pitch by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter features a rash move by Boston, in which the Red Sox trade away closer Aroldis Chapman to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
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Should the Red Sox Trade Aroldis Chapman?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 04: Aroldis Chapman #44 of the Boston Red Sox pitches in the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Fenway Park on April 04, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Let’s be clear, this is purely speculation and hypothetical on the part of BR, but it’s interesting to dissect if this trade idea actually makes sense.
Reuter proposes that the Red Sox trade away Chapman to the D-backs in exchange for LHP Kohl Drake, who is a 25-year-old pitching prospect that projects well:
“The D-backs rank 24th in the majors with a 5.05 ERA from their bullpen, and they already have five blown saves in 12 chances, making the back of the bullpen a glaring early need. Left-hander Kohl Drake was acquired in the deal that sent Merrill Kelly to the Rangers last summer. The 25-year-old represents an MLB-ready rotation option with middle-of-the-rotation upside, and he is currently pitching well at the Triple-A level.”
Chapman has pitched six innings this year and has already racked up three saves and six strikeouts. The Red Sox haven’t had to utilize him due to being down in the ninth innings, but Chapman is undoubtedly Boston’s best reliever, and honestly, if the Red Sox made him available, he should demand a larger haul than one minor league pitcher that has yet to debut.
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Aroldis Chapman’s Career
Aroldis Chapman has pitched for many MLB teams in his career, but there’s also no doubt he’s one of the games most tenured reliever, and still as dominant as ever.
He’s an eight-time All-Star, 2x World Series champion, and has 370 career saves.
With the Red Sox in 2025, Chapman picked up 32 saves and posted a microscopic 1.17 ERA over 61.1 innings. He’s pitched in 55+ innings for each of the last three seasons, which proves he’s still a durable arm. Chapman is currently on a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season.
As for his trade status? He’s unlikely to be traded, and even if the Red Sox thought about it, it would take much more than just Kohl Drake.
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