Cubs' perfect trade offer for Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Chicago Cubs have dealt with no shortage of pitching injuries this season. While the rotation has been hit especially hard, the bullpen could use some help as well. The Cubs will be linked to starters such as Tarik Skubal ahead of the MLB trade deadline, but they could also acquire a star reliever such as Aroldis Chapman from the Boston Red Sox .
At 26-34, Boston is currently in last place in the American League East standings. The Red Sox are searching for answers as they try to bounce back. Boston could get back on track, but at the moment it looks like the ball club may end up selling at the trade deadline.
The Red Sox are 10.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first place in the division. Unless Boston begins winning ball games on a consistent basis this month, selling will likely be their strategy for the trade deadline.
As for the Cubs , Chicago is 32-30 overall. They are not exactly playing the best baseball. With that being said, the Cubs are still in a position where they can compete for either a National League Central or NL Wild Card spot.
Chapman, 38, has experience with the Cubs, of course. He helped Chicago win the World Series during the 2016 season. Chapman is still on top of his game in 2026, as the Red Sox reliever has turned in a 0.48 ERA while also saving games for the Red Sox.
So, should the Cubs trade for Chapman? Chicago's bullpen could use the help, but the Cubs will need to make an enticing trade offer.
Potential Cubs-Red Sox Aroldis Chapman trade
Cubs acquire: LHP Aroldis Chapman
Red Sox acquire: OF Josiah Hartshorn, RHP Kaleb Wing
Two prospects for Chapman will catch the attention of fans from both teams. Hartshorn is the Cubs' No. 8 overall prospect, while Wing is their No. 12 overall prospect.
Giving up two talented prospects for likely only a half season of Chapman would be risky. He has a mutual option for 2027 on his current contract.
The Cubs have to decide if they believe they can make a legitimate World Series run. If they are not confident in their roster's potential this year, then making this trade would not make sense. However, if the Cubs have a belief in their ball club, then bringing an established veteran with a proven postseason track record like Chapman would be a reasonable move.
For the Red Sox, they would receive a talented outfielder and pitcher for Chapman. Both Hartshorn and Wing are only 19 years old and their MLB ETAs are set for 2029. While they would not impact the Red Sox for a few years, turning Chapman into two potential reliable big league ball players is something that may catch the Red Sox's attention amid their underwhelming current season.
Will this trade happen?
It would not be surprising to see the Cubs reach out to the Red Sox about an Aroldis Chapman deal. The fit makes sense and, as mentioned, the Cubs and Chapman have history.
In all reality, the Cubs and Red Sox performances over the next month will go a long way toward determining whether or not a deal like this will come to fruition. If the Cubs climb the standings and feel like they can make a serious run, and if the Red Sox continue to struggle, then a Chapman trade possibility will become something to closely monitor.
Related: Cubs' injury-plagued rotation set to receive Edward Cabrera, Matthew Boyd boosts soon

