The MLB trade deadline is set for July 31 and many teams will be looking to make additions in order to better position themselves for later postseason contention. The Boston Red Sox just weeks ago could look like huge sellers at the deadline, but a recent change of fortune now potentially takes their star closer off of the trade block at least for now.
The Philadelphia Phillies haven't been shy about their desire for a better relief arm, and getting a lockdown closer would be a perfect fit. Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman would have been the perfect fit for a labored Phillies bullpen that has floundered in an attempt to be effective. With the recent success in Boston, that may not be an option moving forward.
Aroldis Chapman won't be an option for Phillies at MLB trade deadline after Red Sox's recent run of success
The Red Sox have been in dire straits going back to their ALCS appearance in 2021. They've been a middling organization, and for most of 2025 that seemed like more of the same. Chapman looked to be on the table as a trade option, but now, not so much. The trade package for the caliber of player such as Chapman has been would have been substantial as well. Through 41 games, he has pitched to a 3-2 record with a 1.18 ERA, 17 saves, 0.76 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. Chapman was signed as a free agent on a one-year deal.
Chapman has also remained relatively healthy through his 16-year career. He's had limited injuries relating to his throwing arm and has retained every bit of his velocity. According to Statcast, still at the ripe age of 37, he's averaging 98.6 mph on his four-seam fastball and 99.9 mph on his sinker. His 352 career saves also rank 14th all-time.
The Red Sox have won their last 10 games and have propelled themselves into a playoff spot and just 3.5 games out of first place in the AL East, per MLB.com's Molly Burkhardt. The Red Sox went from a potential fire sale to now possibly retaining all of their pieces just weeks before the biggest deadline in the sport.
If anything has held back this Phillies squad, it has been their volatile bullpen (subscription required), per Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic. There were numerous questions even before the season began, and then the loss of José Alvarado turned the bullpen into a house of cards. Things can change before the deadline, but it looks like one of the best closers in baseball over the last decade won't be a name the Phillies can pencil in as a target.