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The Cincinnati Reds are nearing the trade deadline with many decisions left to be made. One of the decisions the Reds will have to make will be whether to pull the trigger on any trade involving closer Aroldis Chapman. If Chapman is traded they will be left without a clear-cut option for closer.
So who could the Reds target to take over closing duties?
In an earlier post I mentioned Milwaukee Brewers’ Francisco Rodriguez, however, former Red Brad Boxberger may be a better, and cheaper option. Boxberger has played a significant part to the Tampa Bay Rays’ bullpen this season as he has accumulated the following stat line:
29 games / 26.2 IP / 4-3 / 2.70 ERA / 18 saves (20 opportunities) / 1 Hold
Before being included in the deal that brought Mat Latos to Cincinnati, Boxberger was widely-believed to be the Reds’ closer of the future. The Reds could acquire Boxberger by sending them a prospect like No. 11 Sal Romano. Rodriguez, on the other hand may require a current major leaguer along with a lower-ranked prospect.
While the Reds would like to have someone who is under their control longer, they know Boxberger would not cost them much to re-sign. His current contract sits at $521,000 for this season, but he could be retained for a deal worth around $9 million over three years.
Despite the fact that Boxberger is slated as their closer, the Reds could offer the Rays a prospect or package that would make parting with Boxberger worth it. In the end, Boxberger was once considered to be a closer of the future for a reason, and now the Reds find themselves potentially in need of a replacement for Chapman. Who better to replace him than the man who was slated for the job before Chapman arrived?
Chad Troyan is a baseball and football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
