San Francisco Giants: Six Possible Trade Ideas

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RP Aroldis Chapman (Cincinnati Reds)

Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; National League pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) of the Cincinnati Reds throws against the American League during the ninth inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

For Aroldis Chapman, it was a sweet deal this year as he got to pitch in the All-Star Game at Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds. But what hasn’t been sweet is being part of an underachieving Reds team. For a team that looked well built for the future, Cincinnati is now looking to be on the brink of becoming sellers these next couple weeks.

In the offseason, they shopped Mat Latos to the Marlins. Now, the Reds could shop multiple pitchers in an attempt to rebuild quickly. Names such as Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, who become free agents at the end of the year, will be more attractive as one year rentals for contending teams.

If those two are potentially on the move, some of the other stars may want out of Cincinnati as well. The Giants could be a team who could give general manager, Walt Jocketty, a call about Chapman.

Heck, Bochy already coached him in the All-Star game.

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Chapman already excites the league with his 100+ mph fastballs and provides consistency. With Kimbrel, we saw a hefty return for a pitcher who is simply a closer — but a top of the league closer. Chapman is right there with Kimbrel as one of the league’s best closers.

For their three championships, the Giants have used Santiago Casilla and Sergio Romo to close out games. While it has worked for so long, 2015 has been mediocre for the duo. Casilla is now 34, and Romo is 32. Neither is getting any younger, and Chapman is just 27.

Could the Giants afford Chapman? It is possible, but the Reds would likely want pitchers in return. Hunter Strickland and Derek Law are two youngsters who have been rumored to be anchors in bullpen in the future. Simply putting one or both of the in the deal though, and then adding a starter from Triple A might be enough to bring Chapman to the Bay Area.

San Francisco has been all about pitching and defense since their first championship in 2010. Their hitting has started to come around, and is one of the best in the National League this season. Adding Chapman to the bullpen would only add more of an advantage for the defending champs in 2015 and beyond.

Next: 4. Mike Leake

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