ESPN.com · Jun 30, 2023
Rangers get closer Aroldis Chapman in trade with Royals
The Texas Rangers, who have emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the majors this season, pulled off the first major trade of the summer on Friday, snagging perennial All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman from the Kansas City Royals.
Cole Ragans, a 25-year-old starting pitcher, and Roni Cabrera, a 17-year-old outfielder, were acquired from the Royals in exchange.
Chapman, a free agent at season's end, will join fellow lefty Will Smith and right-hander Josh Sborz in the back end of the Rangers' bullpen, forming a devastating mix late in games. The Rangers' bullpen ranks 24th in the majors in ERA, but Smith and Sborz have combined for a 2.71 ERA, 0.84 WHIP and 4.59 strikeout-to-walk ratio.