The Red Sox have had a slow start this season, and after salvaging one win in their three-game set with Minnesota, manager Alex Cora reflected on the team’s path forward, saying, “We’re going to win games if we pitch well.” The headline-grabbing idea of trading Chapman is framed as a strategic conversation rather than a contingency plan.
According to Reuter, Drake is a pitching prospect with middle-of-the-rotation upside who could be MLB-ready in time. Drake, 25, came to the Diamondbacks in the deal that sent Merrill Kelly to the Rangers last summer and has been thriving at the Triple-A level, offering a potential upgrade for Arizona’s rotation depth.
Chapman has been Boston’s most effective reliever this season, logging six innings with three saves and six strikeouts so far. The Red Sox are paying Chapman on a one-year, $13 million contract for 2026, and any trade would require more than a single under-the-radar prospect given his current form and value as a closer.
Chapman’s career résumé underpins his high trade value: eight-time All-Star, two-time World Series champion, and 370 career saves. His 2025 season was particularly strong, with 32 saves and a 1.17 ERA over 61.1 innings, underscoring why Boston’s front office would likely demand a substantial return if he were moved.
Ultimately, the proposed deal remains purely speculative and unlikely to reflect Boston’s immediate plans. The scenario serves as a talking point on how a dramatic shift in bullpen assets could impact the Red Sox and any interested partners, rather than a prediction of what will actually happen.
