MLB Trade Deadline: Ideal landing spots for remaining big names

Relief Pitchers

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Joaquin Benoit to the Twins: As a setup man for much of his career, he would slide nicely into eighth inning duties ahead of Glen Perkins. At 38, Joaquin Benoit can still make hitters miss too. His 23 percent K rate would easily be the second highest mark of any regular in the Twins’ pen right now. His K/9 mark of 8.0 is not far off from Perkins’ 8.33, either.

Aroldis Chapman to the Blue Jays: Making a splash in the starting pitcher market for an ace caliber arm seems unlikely, so the Jays should focus on obtaining a lights out closer. Aroldis Chapman is nice because he would still be around in 2016 when Toronto should have a strong core of position players as well as Marcus Stroman back from injury. The Blue Jays could very well be contenders again in 2016, so it makes sense to steer clear of a half season rental. Chapman, in addition to Aaron Sanchez and Roberto Osuna, could turn many of the club’s remaining games into the six inning variety.

Jonathan Papelbon to the Rangers: He won’t like going somewhere if he can’t have the ball in the ninth inning, so for that reason the Rangers make sense for Jonathan Papelbon. Texas is currently working with Shawn Tolleson in the role, but he’s not a six-time All-Star at the position. The Twins would also make sense as they want to complement Perkins with a power pitching strikeout machine in their bullpen, but the former World Champion closer does not want to be a setup man.

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