Aroldis Chapman deal with Red Sox could kickstart trade talks for Reds' reliever

Former Cincinnati Reds closer Aroldis Chapman has a new home. The seven-time All-Star signed a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday. While no longer a top-flight closer, Chapman had a decent year with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season and can still touch triple digits on the radar gun. The left-hander went 5-5 with a 3.79 ERA and 98 strikeouts in 68 appearances.

Chapman's $10 million-plus at age 36 is a sign that the relief market could be rather competitive this offseason. Fellow relievers like Jeff Hoffman, Tanner Scott, and Carlos Estevez could reap the benefits of a somewhat depleted free agent pool. The lack of elite relievers hitting the open market this winter could force contenders to kick the tires on some potential trades.

Aroldis Chapman deal with Red Sox could kickstart trade talks for Reds' reliever Emilio Pagán

One possible trade candidate is Reds' pitcher Emilio Pagán. The right-hander signed with Cincinnati last December and picked up his player-option earlier this offseason. Pagán's debut season with the Reds was derailed by injury, but in 38 appearances he logged 44 punch outs and posted a 4.50 ERA.

Pagán's $8 million salary this season is bit more than the Reds would like to pay for a reliever, and with pitchers like Luis Mey, Zach Maxwell, and others in the farm system, Cincinnati could afford to part with 33-year-old if another club came calling.

While Pagán's traditional numbers don't look great, his peripherals from the 2024 season are solid. Pagán got opposing hitters to chase 31.6% of the time and posted an impressive 27.8% strikeout rate while only walking 7% of the batters he faced. Pagán's 3.77 FIP suggests he was also the victim of some poor fielding at times.

Obviously the Reds shouldn't necessarily look to shop Pagán this offseason. While his numbers in 2024 weren't great, a stoic veteran at the backend of the bullpen is exactly what next year's team needs, especially considering that the Reds have already lost Justin Wilson and Buck Farmer. But if another team inquired, Nick Krall would definitely need to listen.

Cincinnati obviously has a budget, and next year's club needs offense. If sacrificing Pagán provides the Reds' brass with enough payroll space to lock up a outfield bat, that's a deal that most fans would make without batting an eye.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors