UPDATE: FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Reds are drawing “heavy interest” in Chapman and Johnny Cueto. It’s believed that the Reds are trying to drop around $17 million in payroll this offseason, so trade talks should continue. Jay Bruce, Mike Leake, Mat Latos, and Alfredo Simon are among the other potential candidates to be dealt.
12:19 p.m. ET: There hasn’t been a word about Aroldis Chapman during the hot stove season. Before now. From Joe Frisaro of MLB.com:Since finding the ideal starter isn’t easy, perhaps the Marlins should consider building a super bullpen. If they are leaning that way, Aroldis Chapman would be a logical option.
We don’t know if the Marlins are thinking this way, but what is clear is the Reds are open to trading Chapman, their fireball-throwing lefty closer.
So I guess it’s clear.
The Reds are certainly looking to shed payroll and want to make deals to do it. They’ve been reported to be shopping Jay Bruce and any one of three starting pitchers. But before now no one suggested Chapman could be on the block.
It’s not like he makes a ton of money -- he’s only owed $5 million in 2015 -- so you’d figure he’d bring a big return. But at the same time, it’s not like moving him would solve the Reds’ alleged payroll concerns.
If they do trade Chapman, I figure it’s safe to say that the Reds are going all-in with a rebuild instead of a mere shuffling of top-end talent.