The Atlanta Braves were shocked, along with the rest of the league, on Sunday night when Boston Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers was traded. It was clear the designated hitter wasn't happy about the move away from the infield with Alex Bregman taking over his position this season. However, considering how the Mookie Betts deal is viewed, Boston opting to trade the infielder not long after a blockbuster extension was a shock. The move appears to signal another attempt at a rebuild despite the recent surge the Red Sox have enjoyed.
Devers joins the San Francisco Giants, who sit in wildcard positioning and within reach of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the division race. It is a great move for the franchise that has the potential to shake up the playoff picture.
For Atlanta, this could provide an opportunity to add a needed impact arm to the bullpen as the Red Sox begin to sell off pieces. Looking at possible fits on Boston's roster, none are better options than veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman.
Braves Remain Perfect Trade Fit for Boston Closer Aroldis Chapman
The thirty-seven-year-old reliever isn't likely to garner a high trade price despite the great season the veteran is enjoying. Chapman has a 1.55 ERA and 12 saves on the season, adding this type of stability to the back of Atlanta's pen gives Brian Snitker a chance to manage the late innings with a bit of consistency.
While the Red Sox have a far better record than Atlanta, these are two teams obviously looking to go in different directions. The Braves continue to attempt to do everything possible to turn the season around, and that includes looking to add ahead of this year's trade deadline. However, this will obviously change if Atlanta falls any further away from contention.
Chapman would likely step into the closer role for the Braves as former closer Raisel Iglesias continues attempts to turn his 2025 season around in a setup role. This would offer the Braves two incredibly experienced late-inning arms and give the franchise reason to believe that a turnaround is possible.
Right now, the biggest roadblock to this is a bullpen that simply cannot be relied on in the game's biggest moments. It is impossible to know which buttons to push based on how the season has played out thus far. With this in mind, a potential Chapman trade shakes up the roster and gives needed hope to a group that is still sitting far out of contention.