A potential 2015 Red Sox trade for Aroldis Chapman fell apart after domestic dispute issue (report)
The Red Sox made a bit of a surprising move by signing veteran left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman on Tuesday to a one-year, $10.75 million deal.
With Chapman now in the fold, he nearly almost became a member of the Red Sox back in 2015, but “disturbing details” of his off-the-field problems stopped the club from acquiring him in a trade with the Cincinnati Reds.
In a social media post on X, Red Sox ex-assistant general manager Zack Scott said Boston and Cincinnati agreed to a deal that would send Manny Margot and Marco Hernandez for Chapman. When Boston learned more of the details around Chapman’s alleged 2015 domestic dispute came to light, the deal fell apart.
“We actually informed the Reds about it. We pivoted to (Craig) Kimbrel, and Chapman went to the Yankees,” Scott posted to X. “I guess enough time has passed without incident for the Sox to be ok with it now.”
The 37-year-old reliever allegedly choked his girlfriend and fired eight shots in the garage of his Davie, Florida, home in October 2015. Chapman was never prosecuted due to insufficient evidence and conflicting accounts of what happened that night. The southpaw became the first player to be suspended under the league’s Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse policy. He missed 30 games, and he did not appeal the punishment.
When the Chapman deal fell through, the Red Sox pivoted and acquired Kimbrel in a five-player deal. Kimbrel went on to convert 108 saves over his three years with the Red Sox, including winning the 2018 World Series.
It’s not known yet what Chapman’s role will be with the Red Sox, but the lefty has tremendous experience pitching in high-leverage situations over the course of his career. Chapman is third among active pitchers in career saves, with 335, behind former Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen (447) and Kimbrel (440).
The veteran brings the potential of swing-and-miss stuff and a fastball that can hit 100 mph. He also has some baggage off the diamond that will leave Red Sox fans wondering if he will be effective all season, both on the field and off.
Boston has not yet announced the Chapman deal, and it’s unclear what their vetting process for the reliever was prior to agreeing to terms. His addition will be a point of interest for the Red Sox media who surely will ask about Chapman once the deal is official.
