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Washington Nationals Trade Target: Aroldis Chapman

By Ricky Keeler

Jun 16, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Yankees defeated the Twins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 16, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Yankees defeated the Twins 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /
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We continue our look at Washington Nationals reliever trade targets with Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman

As we get closer to the August 1 trade deadline, we continue to look at possible relievers the Washington Nationals could trade for to help the bullpen. We’ve already profiled Andrew Miller and Brad Ziegler. Today, we take a look at the current New York Yankees closer, Aroldis Chapman

When you look at the trade deadline, the Yankees seem to be in control of the trade market depending upon whether or not they are buyers or sellers. This offseason, the Yankees acquired Chapman in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds. Chapman was suspended for the first 30 games of the season for violating Major League Baseball’s domestic violence policy.

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In the 19 games he has pitched in New York this year, the 28-year-old left-hander has 13 saves in 14 chances, an ERA of 3.00, and 27 strikeouts to just three walks in 18.1 innings. Chapman, who is known for his electric fastball that can go over 100 miles per hour in velocity, has had 30 or more saves in each of the four seasons.

With numerous teams looking to add another quality piece to their bullpen, Chapman will be in high demand. However, he is in the last year of his deal, so any team acquiring him, including the Washington Nationals, would be getting a rental and might not be able to re-sign him in the offseason.

Yestrerday, Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball gave his ideal trade scenario for both of these teams in his Inside Baseball column involving Chapman and prospect Trea Turner. Here is what Heyman had to say about Turner:

"“Turner seems blocked at the moment by Danny Espinosa, who plays the defense Baker seeks and has 13 home runs, but Turner should be starting on the infield for someone now.” (h/t Heyman, Today’s Knuckleball)."

If the Yankees were to sell, I wouldn’t give up a promising prospect like Turner who is the shortstop of the future for a one-year rental. If it were for Miller, who has three years of control, I would be more inclined to think about it. Plus, the Yankees already appear to have the middle infield set with Starlin Castro and Didi Gregorius.

There is the connection with Chapman with Dusty Baker being his manager with the Reds from 2010-2013. Plus, as Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports and MLB Network wrote a few days ago, the Washington Nationals assistant general manager also has a connection with Chapman from his time with the Reds:

"“Nats assistant GM Bob Miller, who also was with the Reds previously, helped develop the creative structure for Chapman’s original six-year, $30.25 million deal with the club in 2010.” (h/t Rosenthal, FOX Sports)"

Next: Costly Error Recipe For Long Losing Streaks

If it was for the right price, Chapman would be a good fit for the Washington Nationals bullpen. But, it will be interesting to see whether or not the Yankees are going to sell. Plus, it remains to be seen whether or not the Washington Nationals have the farm system to match what other teams like the Cubs and the Dodgers have, just to name a few teams.

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