While the success has been a welcome sight, it is safe to assume that the unexpected production from the previously mentioned players will not hold up throughout the entirety of the season (or, at least, not all of them will hold up this level of production). Because of that, Chicago may be exploring trades for pitching when the trade deadline rolls around. One pitcher that may become available if his team continues to struggle is left-hander and former World Series champion Aroldis Chapman.

Chapman is highly remembered as one of the heroes of the 2016 World Series team, and for the most part, that is correct. We all remember the home run allowed to Rajai Davis in Game 7 of the World Series, but he returned for one of the most gutsy ninth innings ever pitched, so it’s easy to forgive an overworked Chapman for that blip. A reunion with the Cubs could make the bullpen even more dangerous and add another power left-handed arm to pitch in high leverage situations.

Chapman is having an excellent season with the Boston Red Sox, posting a 1.80 ERA, nine saves and 33 strikeouts in 27 appearances and 25 innings pitched, He’s posted an ERA under 3.80 in each of the last two seasons and is well on his way to doing so again in 2025. With the Red Sox going downhill fast (30-34, fourth place in the AL East) and Chapman being on a one-year deal, he is a prime trade candidate.