The Dodgers are believed to have moved on from Aroldis Chapman, but that does not mean the Reds will be unable to find a trade partner for the left-handed fireballer this offseason.
Marly Rivera of ESPNDeportes.com reports that the Nationals have “significant interest” in acquiring Chapman, with the Astros also in the mix. Rivera notes that the Dodgers have not completely given up on trading for Chapman but are turning their attention toward other options for their bullpen.
Chapman, as many of you know, is being investigated by Major League Baseball over an alleged domestic assault incident that took place at the closer’s Florida home in October. Chapman has been accused of putting his hands around his girlfriend’s neck and firing several gunshots into a concrete wall. The investigation put the trade between Cincinnati and L.A. on hold and reportedly scared away at least one other team.
Washington would make sense for Chapman, as new Nationals manager Dusty Baker was with the Reds when Chapman came into the league. When asked about the domestic violence investigation earlier this week, Baker defended Chapman with some very controversial remarks.
