What’s happening with Andres Munoz? He was one of the most lights-out relievers in baseball from 2022 through 2025. The right-handed pitcher even racked up 38 saves and a 1.73 ERA for the Seattle Mariners last season.
However, this season, he has a 4.45 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, and five blown saves in 21 opportunities. While Seattle fans must be pulling their hair out, this works out well for the Red Sox. Boston is clearly ready to start shopping its veteran players, and closer Aroldis Chapman should be on the market. Seattle is a perfect fit. Who could the Red Sox get in return?
The Mariners are in a much different position than most teams we could talk about simply because their farm system is ridiculously stacked. Like, we’re talking levels you rarely see. Felnin Celesten is the first player we’re going to talk about. He’s the seventh-ranked prospect in the system. That doesn’t sound like some grand return, but he’s also the number 96 prospect in all of baseball. Yes, the Mariners have seven prospects in the top 100.
Celesten is a 20-year-old shortstop who has spent the season in High-A. The switch-hitter is slashing .315/.404/.533 with 18 doubles, three triples, and 12 home runs. He’s driven in 50 runs, scored 54, and stolen 17 bases.
A realistic trade deadline Red Sox return package for Aroldis Chapman with Mariners
Celesten is a plus-defender with no real weakness in his game. He should get on base at a strong clip while hitting for adding good pop and swiping a decent amount of bases. His progression from last season to this season has been massive, which bodes well for a player of his age and frame (6’1”, 175 lbs). An already fast-riser who could move up boards even more.
Tyler Cleveland would also be an intriguing return, though he isn't a top prospect. He’s the 26th-ranked prospect in the system, so nothing crazy. However, Cleveland is already in Double-A and has spent a decent amount of time there.
The right-handed pitcher has struggled this season but has been dominant throughout his minor league career, and comes at hitters from a funky angle.
Cleveland has switched his delivery from being a sidearm pitcher to a closer to a submarine pitcher. Even his release point gets a bit wild. He doesn’t throw anything hard (unsurprisingly), but from that angle, with that delivery, and with his movement, it creates problems.
Cleveland feels like someone who could get to the majors and stick around for a decade as a reliable bullpen arm. With that in mind, he’d be a great throw-in with Celesten as the big piece.
Chapman has been great for the Red Sox, but the writing is on the wall, and adding a stud prospect and a reliever who could help as soon as 2027 feels like a strong return.
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