Report: Dodgers talking to Reds about Aroldis Chapman
Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman prepares to unleash a 102-mph pitch on his way to registering a save against the Dodgers in a 2013 game.
Reporting from NASHVILLE — The Dodgers were known to be one of the teams that spoke to the Cincinnati Reds this winter about the possibility of acquiring All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
That possibility might be closer to becoming a reality, according to multiple reports.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports is reporting the Dodgers are “making progress†on a potential deal that would send prospects to the Reds in exchange for Chapman, who has a fastball that routinely touches 100 mph.
By acquiring Chapman and pairing him with Kenley Jansen at the back of their bullpen, the Dodgers could help offset the loss of starting pitcher Zack Greinke, who agreed to a six-year, $206.5-million with the NL West-rival Arizona Diamondbacks.
Chapman, who turns 28 in February, will be eligible to become a free agent at the end of the upcoming season. Jansen can also be a free agent next winter.
Chapman pitched in 65 games this year, posting a 1.63 ERA and recording 33 saves. He had 116 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings, an average of 15.7 every nine innings.
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