Over the first few months of the season, the Boston Red Sox were one of the worst teams in the underwhelming American League. The competition in the middle of the standings was so close that the club could justifty waiting until the trade deadline was much closer to begin their sell-off.
Then came a franchise record-tying win streak and Boston's fire sale is no more. But a report from the Southside of Chicago claimed the Red Sox came close to beginning their
Longtime Chicago sports radio journalist George Ofman on July 22 reported that the Chicago White Sox "were extremely close" to acquiring closer Aroldis Chapman from the struggling Red Sox. Boston's massive winning streak curbed the alleged deal.
Or, maybe not. Red Sox reporter Chris Cotillo of MassLive said a source within the Red Sox organization shot down the White Sox-Chapman rumors at "warp speed," directly contrasting Ofman's report.
Red Sox reporter debunks rumors that Boston almost traded Aroldis Chapman to White Sox
Ofman's report didn't make much sense from the jump. Despite Boston's horrendous start to the season and ugly record until recently, it's still a long way from the trade deadline. The Red Sox weren't far enough away from the Wild Card conversation to consider selling early — even after their historic winning streak, it's still too soon to come up with a rock-solid trade deadline plan.
The Red Sox's winning run arguably started with their four-game sweep of the New York Yankees, beginning on June 25. That day, they had a 33-46 record, but sat just five games out of the third Wild Card spot. It seemed improbable then, but a hot streak could've put them right into the playoff picture — which it did — so it was too early to talk about selling such a major piece as Chapman. Once they started winning, all selling conversations must've stopped.
Adding Chapman would've been a good plan for the White Sox before the Red Sox became the hottest team in baseball. Chicago's relievers have posted a 3.92 ERA this season, the 11th-best figure in the league, but the division rival Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers have better bullpens. Trading for Chapman would've given the White Sox a clear closer, which they lack.
But that opportunity has gone out the window as the Red Sox establish themselves in the AL East. Chapman isn't going anywhere as long as Boston continues winning.
Add us as a preferred source on Google