Chicago Cubs
Aroldis Chapman spent all of three months with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, but his time there has to be fondly remembered.
Acquired from the New York Yankees, Chapman solidified the ninth inning as the Cubs looked to end their 108 year long World Series drought. He was excellent down the stretch, allowing just four runs, three earned, on 12 hits and ten walks over his 26.2 innings, striking out 46 batters. He had a solid run through the postseason as well and was the winning pitcher in Game Seven of the 2016 World Series despite blowing the save.
While those days are in the past, and that core is long gone, the Cubs find themselves needing a closer once more. As the roster is currently constructed, Brad Boxberger, Rowan Wick, and Manuel Rodriguez may be the favorites for the ninth inning. While Boxberger does have experience in the role, he has not been a closer since 2018 and 73 of his 82 career saves came over two seasons.
Meanwhile, the Cubs are looking to return to the postseason once more. They have always claimed that this rebuilding project is simply a matter of “reloading” instead, with their additions over the past two offseasons designed to make the Cubs more competitive. The next step may be to find a closer. Bringing Chapman back to a place where he had success and won a championship could be a great move.
The Chicago Cubs need a closer and Aroldis Chapman may be the best one available. A reunion could work out for both sides.