Top 3 Relievers Most Likely To Be Traded This Summer

Some teams around baseball are already lamenting the state of their bullpens. It happens every year. And each season, relievers who can pitch those important, high-leverage innings are among the most coveted assets at the trade deadline. 

Let's take an early look at three back-end-of-the-bullpen arms that are most likely to be traded this summer. 

Aroldis Chapman

The Kansas City Royals took a chance on signing the former 7-time All-Star closer who had worn out his welcome in New York. And, in turn, Chapman took a chance signing with a team that already had a legitimate closer in Scott Barlow. 

But so far, it's all working out. Chapman has been blowing people away with his high heat, registering 19 strikeouts in 11.2 innings for a 14.7 K/9. The walks are a bit high, at 4.6 per nine, but overall, except for a blown save Thursday night, he's mostly getting the job done, heading into last night's game with an ERA of 1.74 and one save. (Barlow, by the way, has four saves). Chapman is definite trade bait. 

Andrew Chafin

Not your prototypical closer, Chafin has nevertheless been doing it for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, with four saves, a 2.31 ERA and a 19:5 K/BB ratio in 11.2 innings (yes, that's 14.7 K/9). He's been pretty much this type of pitcher for the past few seasons, but usually in a set-up role. 

The D-Backs signed him this past offseason, and although they're currently in the playoff chase, if they fall out of it by July, he could make for a great piece for some contender's bullpen. 

Kendall Graveman

Graveman has been a solid back-end reliever for years now, and was brought in to the Chicago White Sox as a premium set-up man to Liam Hendriks for a team that was thought to be a solid contender last season. Fast forward to 2023, and the White Sox are anything but a contender, at 10-22. 

If they can't make a drastic turnaround, they could be selling off some pieces sooner than later, and Graveman will be in demand, as he always is.  

Photo: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports