June has been kind to the New York Mets so far, which should lead to an exciting July.
The Mets have built a 4 1/2-game lead atop the National League East, thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies' embarrassing sweep in Pittsburgh over the weekend. Because they're obvious title contenders, New York is sure to be one of the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline.
With one of the most complete rosters in baseball, thanks to a surprising pitching staff, the Mets might not look like they need much on paper. But the lack of a left-handed power arm in the bullpen stands out, and could become an Achilles' heel against the other NL powerhouses.
That's why one Mets writer wants New York to go after the ultimate lefty flamethrower.
On Sunday, FanSided's Noah Wright named Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, a seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, as a top prospective trade target for the Mets at the Jul. 31 deadline.
"If the Mets want a hurler with a strong track record, look no further than the Cuban Missile, Aroldis Chapman. The flamethrower is having one of his strongest seasons and owns a 1.80 ERA, 2.59 FIP, and 0.96 WHIP across his first 25 frames," Wright wrote.
"It could cost the Mets a pretty penny if they opt to go this route... Chapman would be the more expensive option, but would be the sort of shutdown late-inning arm behind Edwin Díaz."
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Chapman lowered that ERA to 1.71 and picked up his 11th save in 12 tries in the Red Sox's win over the New York Yankees on Sunday night.
At age 37, Chapman is still regularly topping 100 miles per hour with both his four-seam fastball and sinker. He's also got just an 8.7 percent walk rate, his lowest mark since 2016.
Obviously, Chapman would be a huge get for the Mets, but it's contingent on the 32-35 Red Sox falling far enough out of the playoff race that they're forced to wave the white flag. Boston had high expectations, so they won't be opportunistic about selling.
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