Boston Red Sox is in hunt for a closer, and Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds is the one they reportedly want to pursue. The 27-year-old left-hander is known as the hardest throwing pitcher in MLB who can throw around 100 miles per hour.
According to FoxSports (via Mass Live), the Boston Red Sox are doing background research on Chapman. Although it does not mean that a deal has been done, it still indicates the team's heavy interest to get Chapman.
The team's president of baseball operation, Dave Drombowski, expressed his desire for an additional closer or reliever who is able to close to serve a backup for 40-year old Koji Uehara. If the team acquires Chapman, he will be taking over Uehara's role as a late-game setup man.
In a report from Boston Globe, Drombowski said that it is still early in the winter and they are making some progress with the talks. "We've had many conversations with free agents. We've had conversations on the trade front. We'll see," Drombowski stated.
Chapman will be a free agent after the coming season and the Boston Red Sox, though they are in last place, believe that they can quickly contend with the right changes.
Chapman also caught the interest of other teams such as the Houston Astros, the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamond Back prior to July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. He has been speculatively connected to the Boson Red Sox, the New York Yankees and other teams this past week over the series of GM meetings. The Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers are also seeking high-end bullpen help. The Toronto Blue Jays have shown interest in the past as well.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati president for baseball operations, Walt Jocketty, somewhat confirmed this week that he is likely open for business and will listen to talks on any player in his club.
