The Chicago Cubs are the best team in baseball right now, and they are favored to win the World Series. While they have gotten off to an impressive start, they still have some holes to fill ahead of the MLB trade deadline. There are quite a few targets that would make sense for the Cubs, but there is one player that should interest them more than any other.
Dan Schmelzer of FanSided.com opined that the Cubs could look to acquire Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees.
Chapman would fit the bullpen need that the Cubs have in a big way. They are struggling to find consistent, left-handed help from their relievers. Simply looking at the performances that they have received from Clayton Richard will prove that point.
Hector Rondon seems to be firmly in the closer role for the Cubs, although Chapman could push him for that spot in time. Chapman would likely slide right into the setup role for the Cubs. They have not had that kind of dominant arm out of the pen in a long time, and now is the time to be aggressive in acquiring as much talent as possible.
To this point in the season, the Cubs have a 37-15 record. It has been an impressive season to say the least for Chicago; although, there is still a long way to go.
At 28-years-old, Chapman still has a lot of baseball left to play at a high level. He has recorded a 2.81 ERA to go along with eight saves and 15 strikeouts in 9.1 innings pitched. New York may not end up looking to move him if he can continue putting up successful innings, but the Cubs’ farm system could have a piece or two that would intrigue the Yankees enough to pull the trigger on a deal.
Chicago will not be able to snag Chapman for a cheap price, but the move would be well worth it. Even if they have to give up one or two of their top prospects, the Cubs need to strongly consider making a deal.
Theo Epstein is one of the best minds in the game of baseball, and the Cubs feel very safe with him leading the way. That being said, he has been getting more aggressive over the past couple of years as the Cubs near breaking their curse. If he truly wants to put the best team on-the-field in an attempt to win a World Series, making a move for pieces like Chapman are a must at the trade deadline.
There have not been many teams in recent MLB history that have been as special as the Cubs have thus far. Offensively, they have the firepower to outscore any team in the league. They have also put together an impressive starting rotation that boasts the best pitcher in baseball, Jake Arrieta.
Looking ahead to the trade deadline, the Cubs are going to be one of the most aggressive teams, and Chapman is a real possibility.
Other names have come up that the Cubs could have interest in, although, none of them are as dominant coming out of the pen as Chapman. He would give Joe Maddon exactly the kind of shutdown presence that he needs late in games. Chapman’s contract runs out following this season.
Expect to hear plenty more rumors and names come up surrounding the Cubs as the trade deadline approaches. They have the assets to make a big move and Chapman’s name is sure to come up again.
Do you think the Chicago Cubs should try to acquire Aroldis Chapman from the New York Yankees? Would he be the piece that powers them to a World Series appearance? Let us know in the comment box below!
[AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin]
