Chicago Cubs eye Aroldis Chapman trade as prospect Josiah Hartshorn rises

Chicago Cubs Aroldis Chapman trade Josiah Hartshorn MLB prospect baseball trade speculation

The Chicago Cubs have rebounded with a 15‑win stretch and are positioning themselves as aggressive traders before the August deadline. A proposal circulated by Bleacher Report suggests sending catcher Ariel Armas and pitcher Brooks Caple to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for veteran closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman, 44, carries a career total of nearly 400 saves, a 2.10 ERA this season, and a $13 million salary for 2026, but the Cubs would retain all top prospects.

Meanwhile, the Cubs' farm system has gained attention through 19‑year‑old switch‑hitter Josiah Hartshorn. Baseball America lifted him to No. 29 in its Top 100 list after he posted a .953 OPS in High‑A play, earning a spot in the 2026 Futures Game. Hartshorn’s rapid climb adds optimism to Chicago’s long‑term outlook.

Sources

Cubs' latest trade proposal will have fans feeling World Series bound [www.chicitysports.com]

27 days ago

The Cubs Might Suddenly Have One of the Best Prospects in Baseball [www.si.com]

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