Rangers Trade for Royals Reliever Aroldis Chapman

The former Reds and Yankees closer is on the move.

The 2023 MLB trade deadline is more than a month away, but the Rangers and Royals announced a notable deal on Friday night, with Texas acquiring veteran lefty reliever Aroldis Chapman. 

Kansas City brings back a pair of minor leaguers in the deal. LHP Cole Ragans joins the Royals’ Triple A affiliate in Omaha, while 17-year-old outfielder Roni Cabrera will play for the club’s Dominican Summer League team.

The 35-year-old Chapman has put together a solid season in the Royals’ bullpen, posting a 2.45 ERA in 31 appearances, with two saves. His ERA is the lowest since his 2019 All-Star season with the Yankees (2.21). Scott Barlow, who has nine saves, has been the team’s primary closer.

He joins a team with a pair of effective lefty relievers in closer Will Smith (14 saves) and reliever Brock Burke (3.30 ERA), but the bullpen has struggled overall, with a 4.37 ERA, ranked 24th in the MLB this season.

Chapman was a member of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series team, and has made the All-Star Game seven times, during his stints with the Reds and Yankees.

The Rangers lead the AL West with a 49–32 record, while the Royals are in last in the AL Central at 23–58.