One big problem the Detroit Tigers are facing right now is their bullpen, the group of pitchers who come in later during games. Even though the team is doing really well in the American League, their bullpen hasn’t been consistent. Some pitchers aren’t striking out enough batters, and one pitcher, Brant Hurter, hasn’t been performing as well recently. The Tigers need a strong solution fast.
Two writers from Sports Illustrated, Nick Selbe and Will Laws, believe they’ve found the perfect fix. They think the Tigers should make a trade with the Boston Red Sox to get Aroldis Chapman, one of the best relief pitchers in baseball. Chapman is known for throwing super fast and being tough to hit. If the Tigers could get him, it would give a huge boost to their bullpen.
Even though he’s 37 and has been playing for 16 years, Chapman is still pitching like a superstar. He’s been chosen for the All-Star game seven times and has won the World Series twice. This year, in 2025, he’s doing especially well, even better than in some of his past seasons.
In 36 games for the Red Sox this year, he has a very low ERA of 1.36 (which means he gives up very few runs), a win-loss record of 3-2, and an amazing 48 strikeouts in just 33 innings. That shows he’s still got his best stuff. In fact, his stats this year are some of the best in his career.
If this trade happens, Chapman would instantly become the Tigers’ best bullpen pitcher. Not only is he experienced and in great shape, but he’s also under a good contract, being paid $10.75 million, which is reasonable for someone this skilled. Most importantly, the Tigers badly need a pitcher who can strike out batters, and Chapman is exactly that.
Right now, the Tigers don’t have many pitchers in the bullpen who can strike out hitters consistently. Chapman would be their go-to guy for that and bring the energy their bullpen has been missing.
Chapman has an amazing career ERA of just 2.58 and has played in over 800 games. Bringing him in would instantly make the Tigers’ bullpen stronger and more dangerous for other teams. It’s a smart move that could help the Tigers win even more games and go deep into the playoffs.
