The MLB trade deadline is seven weeks away. That doesn't mean that any deals are coming down the pipe any time soon. But, with about 40% of the season already done with, the trade market of buyers and sellers is beginning to develop. The Pittsburgh Pirates could be one of those sellers. They are 31-34, appear on the outside looking in of the playoff race, and have some veterans they can deal. One of those players the Pirates could look to move is Aroldis Chapman.

This would be nothing new for Chapman. While he isn't the feared flame-throwing closer he was in the past, he can still help a team amidst a playoff run. He did so in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs and again with the Texas Rangers in 2023. There are a few contending teams who could trade for Chapman from the Pirates in order to elevate them over the rest of the pack. Those squads include the Kansas City Royals and Seattle Mariners.

Aroldis Chapman reunion in Kansas City

The Kansas City Royals should be very familiar with Chapman's game. They signed him to a one-year deal worth $3.75 million in the 2023 offseason. He performed well after arriving in Kansas City, too. Chapman posted a solid 2.45 ERA across 29.1 innings pitched along with a 1.227 WHIP and a +2.65 strikeout per walk ratio.

The Royals were nowhere near ready to compete when they had Chapman under contract a year ago. On this date (June 11th) a year ago, Kansas City was at the bottom of the standings at 18-47 through 65 games. This time around, they're 39-28. It's a massive turnaround for one of the youngest teams in the league. But, for as potent as they are, their bullpen looks like their Achilles heel.

The Royals simply do not have very many reliable options out of their bullpen at the moment. Among relievers with at least 20 innings pitched so far this season, only three have an ERA below four. Those would be John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, and Nick Anderson. Schreiber and Zerpa are the only relievers with a WHIP below 1.3 too.

They especially haven't gotten stellar production from their closer James McArthur, who has blown 25% of his save opportunities this season and has a 5.27 ERA and 1.47 WHIP so far. One of those blown saves came against the Milwaukee Brewers where he inherited and lost a two-run lead.

Chapman has been used as a setup guy for the last couple of years, but acquiring him in a trade for that role could allow Schreiber or Zerpa to take the closer role. After how well Chapman played for the Royals last year, pursuing a reunion would make sense for all parties.

Seattle Mariners trade for Chapman

Another team who missed the playoffs a year ago is leading their division in the American League this season. That would be the Seattle Mariners, who have done so on the back of a stellar starting pitching staff. However, their bullpen could stand to add a couple of more reinforcements.

Among relievers who have pitched at least 20 innings this season, Seattle has just three with an ERA below four. Those would be Trent Thornton, Austin Voth, and closer Andres Munoz. That's fine, but all of them are right-handed pitchers. The Mariners don't have a top-notch lefty reliever out of their bullpen. That's where Chapman could come in.

Munoz has been strong as the Mariners' closer this year. He's only blown one save chance out of 13 so far this season. That means that Chapman can strictly play his role as a setup reliever and give Seattle versatility out of their pen. It would be worth their while to make a trade with the Pirates for Chapman if the price is right.