Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman would be a great addition to the Phillies bullpen. Former general manager Jim Bowden, now at The Athletic, recently mentioned Chapman as a fit for the Phillies. José Alvarado being ineligible for the postseason has increased the need for the team to add a left-handed relief pitcher. Alvarado will be able to return during the regular season, though. The rosters will not be expanded to 28 until Alvarado returns in late August. Alvarado’s return could lead to an interesting roster decision.
Carlos Hernández was designated for assignment on June 11, and in a corresponding move, Michael Mercado was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. This gives the Phillies more roster flexibility to make moves at the trade deadline. Mercado can be optioned to the minor leagues while Hernández is out of options. This continues the Phillies efforts to shuffle the bullpen ahead of the trade deadline. Hernández had a 1-0 record with a 5.26 ERA, a 1.75 WHIP, and a 1.77 K/BB rate this season in 25 appearances.
Relief Pitcher Chapman Is A Great Trade Fit For Phillies
Need For Left-Handed Bullpen Help In Finding Relief Pitcher Trade Fit
Matt Strahm and Tanner Banks are the lone left-handed relief pitchers on the Phillies 26-man roster at the moment. Strahm has a 4.66 ERA with a 1.14 WHIP and a 3.00 K/BB rate in 10 games since the suspension. To add, Banks has a 1.93 ERA and a 0.64 WHIP along with a 9.00 K/BB rate in 10 games in that span. The Phillies trading for Chapman or another left-handed relief pitcher would take pressure off Strahm and Banks. Chapman would likely be the Phillies primary closer if they were to acquire him as well. Jordan Romano has a 6.75 ERA with a 1.88 WHIP as well as a 2.80 K/BB rate in nine games since Alvarado got suspended. Romano has struggled for most of the year.
Stellar Performances So Far This Season
Chapman has a 3-2 record with a 1.55 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP in 32 outings this season. Furthermore, Chapman has recorded 12 saves in 13 attempts this season. Chapman has a 2.21 FIP and a 4.33 K/BB rate this year. In addition, Chapman has a 34.8% strikeout rate with a career-best 8.0% walk rate this season. Opposing batters this season have a .155 average and a .226 BABIP against Chapman. This season, Chapman has a 37 ERA, which is tied for a career best. Chapman has the seventh-best win probability added among qualified relief pitchers. To add to that, opposing batters are swinging more and making contact less often against Chapman compared to the 2024 season.
Extensive Postseason Experience
Chapman is a two-time World Series champion and has 44 career postseason outings. In those appearances, Chapman has a 3-4 record with a 2.37 ERA, a 1.135 WHIP, and 10 saves. Chapman has a 3.24 K/BB rate along with a 2.93 FIP in the postseason. This postseason experience Chapman has would be valuable to a Phillies bullpen that would be without Alvarado if they make the postseason. Chapman has won both of his World Series rings after being traded mid-season as well. The 2016 and 2023 seasons are also the only years in which Chapman has played for multiple teams within the same season. Chapman would be a good lower trade cost addition for the Phillies.
Main Photo Credits: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
