Rosenthal: Dodgers to acquire closer Chapman from Reds for two prospects
The Los Angeles Dodgers have reached a deal to acquire closer Aroldis Chapman from the Cincinnati Reds, FOX Sports Insider Ken Rosenthal first reported Monday. In return, the Reds will receive two prospects.
Chapman, 27, will be a free agent after the 2016 season.
BREAKING: #Dodgers agree to acquire Chapman from #Reds for two prospects. Deal is pending review of medical records, sources say.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2015
#Dodgers’ plan, at least right now, would be to keep both Chapman and Jansen. Build strength from back of bullpen with price of SP so high.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2015
Players who know Jansen do not believe he would react well if he lost closer’s job with #Dodgers set to acquire Chapman. Stay tuned.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 7, 2015
The left-hander was 4-4 with a 1.63 ERA and 33 saves in 65 appearances this past season. He stuck out 116 batters in 66 1/3 innings. In 2015, Chapman threw the 62 fastest pitches in the big leagues, ranging from 103.92 mph to 102.36 mph, according to Major League Baseball's Statcast computer system.
Over his six-season major-league career -- spent entirely with the Reds, Chapman is 19-20 with a 2.17 ERA, 146 saves and a 15.4 K/9 ratio.
He joins a bullpen that already has closer Kenley Jansen, who like Chapman is eligible for salary arbitration this winter and can become a free agent next November.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
