The Cubs are rolling into July with the look of a club that belongs in the postseason mix again, but the trade deadline still hangs over everything. Chicago can chase a bigger swing or simply patch a few holes in the bullpen and rotation. One proposed move would lean hard into the first option.
Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report floated a deal that sends Boston Red Sox left-hander Aroldis Chapman back to Chicago, where he’d reunite with the Cubs as a familiar late-inning weapon from their World Series team. In Miller’s version, the Cubs would land Chapman in exchange for catcher Ariel Armas and right-hander Brooks Caple.
"The Trade: Chicago Cubs acquire LHP Aroldis Chapman from Boston Red Sox for C Ariel Armas and RHP Brooks Caple," Miller writes.
At 38, Chapman is still the kind of arm that changes the shape of a bullpen. His power left arm would give the Cubs exactly the sort of relief help they need, especially with Daniel Palencia dealing with injuries this season. Beyond just covering the ninth inning now, Chapman could also solve the closer spot in 2026 and maybe even 2027.
That longer runway matters because Chapman has a 2027 option that becomes vested if he reaches 40 innings this season. He entered July with 24.2 innings pitched for Boston, so that clause is very much in play.
The cost, at least in Miller’s proposal, is two prospects who are notable but not untouchable. Caple is a 23-year-old right-hander and 2024 draft pick who has posted a 3.23 ERA in 13 games, including 12 starts, across High-A and Double-A this year. Armas, also 23, has a .583 OPS in Double-A this season and a .634 OPS in his minor league career since being drafted in 2024.
It’s not a cheap price, but it’s the kind of move that fits the moment if Chicago wants to go after the best available closer on the market. In Miller’s view, the fit is obvious, and Chapman would be a perfect addition for a Cubs team trying to make a real push.
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