MLB Rumors: Chicago Cubs should trade for Aroldis Chapman
What's wrong with a reunion?
The Chicago Cubs could use some bullpen help — as could most contending squads around the MLB trade deadline — and Aroldis Chapman is very available. In fact, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Kansas City Royals have already received calls on Chapman. Reminder: it's mid-May.
Chapman has struggled of late after an electric start to the regular season. In two of his last three outings, Chapman has given up at least two runs. It's another reminder that, at this stage of his career, he's the kind of pitcher who needs a lot of rest.
At his best, Chapman can still throw above 100 mph with some decent breaking stuff to keep hitters honest. He probably shouldn't be your closer for a postseason series, but enlisting him at the back end of the bullpen is a good idea.
Kansas City will initially demand a king's ransom for Chapman considering he's one of their top trade chips, but assuming they come back down to Earth, the Cubs should be able to acquire Chapman for a reasonable price. For example, Chicago could offer a package around their No. 5 prospect, outfielder Jordan Wicks. Wicks is not a top-100 prospect, and he's not even the best outfield prospect of the bunch.
MLB Rumors: Braves could trade for Mike Clevinger
Mike Clevinger was accused of domestic and child abuse, but after an investigation by police and MLB, was ultimately not suspended and won't face charges.
So far this season, Clevinger has a 4.79 ERA, and while that might not be too impressive to Braves fans, his stuff suggests he's better than that mark. Get him in the right pitching staff and with the right coach, Clevinger could take off and be the bottom-of-the-rotation pitcher Atlanta needs right now after the injuries to Max Fried and Kyle Wright. FanSided MLB insider Robert Murray argued that Clevinger is a decent trade option for contenders looking to take an early swing on the market:
"On the surface, Clevinger's numbers — 4.79 ERA and 35/18 strikeout-to-walk ratio — aren't that impressive. But he has allowed three or less runs in five of his eight starts, with his ERA inflated by a six-run appearance against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 25. He may not fetch much in a trade, especially being on a contract year, but could help a contender in need of rotation depth."
Chicago is a trash heap at the moment, and assuming they don't turn things around, Clevinger will almost surely be on the way out at the trade deadline. Atlanta would be smart to act quickly before other pitching-needy teams get in on the action. Both Clevinger and Lucas Giolito are expected to be former White Sox by the time August roles around.
MLB Rumors: Cardinals could trade for Eduardo Rodriguez
Eduardo Rodriguez has been among the best pitchers in baseball over his last few starts. He's proven himself to be a real ace, which is what the St. Louis Cardinals need more than anything. While Cards fans are frustrated with the lack of development in their starting rotation, the players in said rotation believe they still have more to give.
"I think if you asked every pitcher in here, almost everyone except maybe Jordan Montgomery, who has pitched great the whole time, nobody has pitched the way they can," Adam Wainwright said.
Yet, we've been waiting for this St. Louis rotation to pitch up to the Cardinal Way standard for years. Even Yadier Molina couldn't fully unlock it. That's why adding a player like Rodriguez with true swing and miss potential makes since.
Detroit would surely ask a lot for Rodriguez. It might require more than the Cards fourth outfielder. But after a tough negotiation, St. Louis does have the assets to get this deal done. FanSided's Rogelio Castillo agrees:
"Detroit should trade him while his value peaks. Speculation suggests the Cardinals, boasting an excess of certain positional players Detroit needs, particularly outfielders, could be a good fit.
St. Louis neglected its rotation during the offseason to the dismay of fans. Now, they're feeling the impact; the rotation's ERA sits at 5.26. Detroit, however, would expect more than an ailing Tyler O'Neill or Juan Yepez."
E-Rod's value is the highest now, and the Cards desperately need some pitching before this season really gets out of hand. It's a match made in heaven.
