TRADE: Former All-Star Closer Traded To Contender

The first big move of "trade month" in major league baseball has been made. The Texas Rangers continue to go all-in, completing a deal with the Kansas City Royals for former All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.

And so trade season begins: The Texas Rangers, in pursuit of bullpen help, acquired left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Going back to Kansas City in the trade will be left-hander Cole Ragans and outfielder Roni Cabrera.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 30, 2023

The Rangers have the offense, and their starting pitching is much improved this season (despite the loss of Jacob deGrom). But the bullpen was in need of help, so they've added a pitcher with 317 career saves. 

Chapman fell off drastically last season with the New York Yankees, posting a 4.46 ERA, and the Bombers decided not to bring him back. 

The 35-year-old was an All-Star, however, three seasons out of the previous four, and registered 30 saves in the Bronx as recently as 2021. 

This season, Chapman wasn't serving as the closer in KC, but he's clearly rediscovered his fastball and his high-leverage chops, as he had a 2.45 ERA with an outrageous 16.3 strikeouts per nine innings. 

He'll immediately slot in as the closer in Texas. 

Photo: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports