MLB Rumors: Shocking Team Linked To Aroldis Chapman
Chapman has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball this season, posting a 0.44 ERA, 14 saves, and 28 strikeouts across 21 appearances with the Boston Red Sox.
ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan put his odds of being traded before August 3 at 90 percent.
Why Pittsburgh Needs Him
The Pirates' bullpen has been one of the worst in baseball among contending teams this season, sitting at a 4.44 ERA through their 37-37 start.
Dennis Santana has struggled to a 4.66 ERA, Justin Lawrence was already designated for assignment after a 5.32 ERA, and closer Gregory Soto has had an inconsistent season in the ninth-inning role.
Aroldis Chapman is built like all your favorite football players combined
— Talkin' Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 11, 2026
(h/t @tylermilliken_) pic.twitter.com/PVn6LKqLnB
Pittsburgh let Chapman walk in free agency after his 2024 season, in which he posted a 3.79 ERA with 14 saves and 98 strikeouts across 68 appearances, a respectable but unspectacular stretch that nonetheless gave the organization direct familiarity with what he provides.
A reunion would immediately upgrade the most glaring weakness on the roster.
The Asking Price and the Field
Chapman is making $13.3 million this season with a mutual option for 2027, and the Red Sox are widely expected to be active sellers if Boston continues to underperform.
The competition for his services is significant.
Per ESPN's reporting, the Dodgers, Phillies, Cubs, Blue Jays, Rays, Guardians, White Sox, Mariners, and Diamondbacks have all been mentioned as potential suitors alongside Pittsburgh, making this one of the more crowded trade markets at any position heading into the deadline.
Aroldis Chapman threw Anthony Volpe three fastballs down the middle and it worked pic.twitter.com/5UJ38b7iPw
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) June 6, 2026
Chapman has also created an additional wrinkle by saying publicly that Brian Cashman would need to apologize before he would ever consider a return to the Yankees, a comment that effectively removes one historically aggressive bidder from the equation and could funnel more attention toward teams like Pittsburgh.
The Pirates are 1.5 games back for the final NL Wild Card spot, with Arizona, Philadelphia, the Cubs, and Cincinnati all within 1.5 games.
A bullpen this thin cannot afford to stand pat if Pittsburgh wants to hold that position through August.
