Astros Emerge As The Front-Runner For Aroldis Chapman
It’s trade deadline day!
We about two hours to go before 3 p.m. CDT, the rapidly-approaching culmination of all of the hard work that the Houston Astros front office has put together over the past couple of weeks to make this team even better.
More from House of Houston
- Are you the 2021 FanSided Sports Fan of the Year?
- Houston Texans: 4 reasons Romeo Crennel is right coach right now
- Astros-Twins Wild Card Series: 5 things to know as MLB postseason begins
- Houston Texans: The Most Underrated Sports Drought Ever
- Houston Texans: J.J. Watt’s early case for NFL Hall of Fame
It’s has been quite a whirlwind over these past few days and the tidbits about the Astros next big target continue to get juicier, day-by-day.
And it’s getting even juicier…
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Astros talks of acquiring relieving ace Aroldis Chapman of the Cincinnati Reds have shifted into high gear making their target of Craig Kimbrel headed toward the back-burner:
astros continue to talk to reds about aroldis chapman. astros ownership is said to want chapman. kimbrel may be backup plan
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2015
Heyman even notes that the Astros effort has escalated:
astros said to be trying hard to land aroldis chapman. if they get him would have dynamic pen. http://t.co/CYbrXaAdCI
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2015
And another interesting development, talks between the Arizona Diamondbacks for Chapman have broken down to which I assume it puts the Astros back in as the front-runner:
dbacks aroldis talks for chapman are at impasse. they're "off" is the way one person put it. @SteveGilbertMLB 1st mentioned
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 31, 2015
This makes perfect sense as the D-Backs likely don’t have what the Reds are looking for (or at least willing to give up for).
The Astros were the only other serious suitor for his services so the club is doing whatever it can to ensure that they can make an offer that the Reds can’t refuse.
We all know that the price for Chapman will be high so it’s a matter if the Astros are willing to pay the price.
For all intents and purposes, I think they should.
It’s rare that one gets an opportunity to acquire such a great relieving talent with Chapman widely-regarded as the best closer in the league.
The Astros wanted to buyers and it’s time to walk the walk!
Chapman will make $8.05 million this year in his role and has one more year of control left in his contract making quite a payroll-friendly deal potentially for the Astros.
More from Astros Rumors
- Houston Astros: A projection of the 2019 ALDS roster against Rays
- Houston Astros: Carlos Correa could be days away from a return
- Houston Astros: Carlos Correa’s return to the lineup is on the horizon
- Houston Astros: Carlos Correa makes an important step while rehabbing
- Houston Astros: Utility man Aledmys Diaz expected back this week
Because of this, it’s no surprise that the Reds want a lot for him.
Chapman, 27, a four-time All-Star in his six seasons in the majors has posted a 3-4 record, an amazing 1.65 ERA, tossing 77 strikeouts and earning 21 saves through 44 games so far this season.
His 1.191 WHIP and 1.57 FIP remain steadfast.
Come on Astros — let’s make a move!