Rangers Acquire 7x All-Star Aroldis Chapman

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images

The Texas Rangers have emerged as one of the premier teams in the MLB this season, compiling a AL West-leading 49-32 record. On Friday, the Rangers upgraded their bullpen and acquired Kansas City Royals closer and 7x All-Star Aroldis Chapman. 

On the season, the left-hander has a 2.45 ERA and 1.23 WHIP with 53 strikeouts in 29.1 innings. When facing Chapman, opponents have a .158 batting average in 2023 and have managed one hit in June.

In his 14-year career, Chapman has compiled 317 saves and 1098 strikeouts. The flamethrower also has experience in the World Series, having won a ring in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs. Chapman, 35, will be a free agent at the end of the season. 

In return, the Royals received Cole Ragans, a 25-year old starting pitcher and Roni Cabrera, 17-year old outfielder. Ragans was a first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in 2022, compiling 64.1 major league innings. Cabrera is playing in the Dominican Summer League this year.

By joining a clear rebuilding situation in Kansas City, Ragans and Cabrera will have the opportunity to join a weak roster and farm system searching for talent.

Expect the Rangers to continue buying ahead of the August 1 trade deadline in pursuit of their first World Series title, especially with additions to the bullpen. Conversely, expect the Royals to sell and build their farm system.