Five Players Chicago Cubs Should Get To Be Real Contenders

Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Aroldis Chapman, LHP, Cincinnati Reds

I readily admit that moving one of the best closers to your division rivals might be a move that many general managers would not want to make, but given that the team with the biggest riches that can help you team is in your division, you may want to at least want to listen and find out what you may get in return.

The Reds are already 13 games behind in the NL Central, and they appear set to be sellers before the trade deadline. Look for Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake to be available to the highest bidder.

Add Chapman to that list.

Chapman has an incredible 15.2 strikeouts per 9 innings, and has 10 saves in 11 opportunities.

Chapman would come pretty cheap as well. He is due to make $8.05 million, so he would cost about half of that if he was gotten around the trade deadline. He is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.

It would be interesting to see Chapman united with his buddy Rizzo. The two got into it last season when Rizzo did not appreciate some inside pitches to his teammates. I am sure, though, they would make up for the sake of winning.

Having a bona fide shut down closer would really solidify the Cubs’ bullpen. It might be too good to be true, but stranger things have happened in baseball.

Next: Ben Zobrist