Red Sox could cut ties with 7-time All-Star in trade with Phillies | Sporting News

The Boston Red Sox are currently positioned to potentially trade Aroldis Chapman if they fall out of contention by the trade deadline. For sports bettors, this could create opportunities to wager on the Phillies' World Series odds, as acquiring a reliable closer like Chapman would significantly boost their bullpen and championship aspirations.

The Boston Red Sox are 30-34 and 9 1/2 games out of the American League East lead. They can still turn things around and claim a Wild Card spot. While there is time for the Red Sox to get back on track, they may be in a tough spot when the July 31 deadline rolls around.

If the season is lost by then, Aroldis Chapman could be a hot name on the trade block. Sports Illustrated's Brad Wakal tabbed the Philadelphia Phillies as a team that could trade for him. "It could be a risk to bring in Chapman after he's gotten off to such a great start, but with the Boston Red Sox underperforming and him being a rental, it wouldn't take a ton of prospect capital to land the 37-year-old," wrote Wakal.

The Phillies lost their closer, Jose Alvarado, to a PED suspension, and he will be ineligible for the postseason. The Phillies look like contenders in the National League and will need a reliable arm in the backend of their bullpen.

Chapman has a 1.80 ERA this season and has logged nine saves for the Red Sox. The 37-year-old lefty will be a free agent after the season, and the Red Sox would be wise to flip him for a prospect if they are out of contention by the trade deadline.

Chapman would be able to contribute to the Phillies as they try to win the National League. He is a seven-time All-Star and former Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year. The "Cuban Missile" can still hit triple digits on the radar gun and has the postseason experience to be a key player for a contender.

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