Somebody just woke up the Dodgers.
It’s been a slow offseason so far for the richest team in baseball, but FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that they are suddenly in talks with the Reds for fireballing closer Aroldis Chapman.
He’d presumably take over the ninth inning in Los Angeles, with Kenley Jansen moving into a setup role. That’s sure to irk Jansen, who is entering his walk year. But let’s not get too far ahead here.
Chapman is the most dominant reliever in baseball, boasting a 2.17 ERA and 546 strikeouts in 319 career major league innings. He is owed $8.05 million in 2016 and can then become a free agent.
You’d have to think the Dodgers would try to explore an extension with the 27-year-old left-hander, especially if they’re going to give up multiple top prospects.
Chapman was a starting pitcher in Cuba, so that’s something to think about too.
