The Chicago Cubs ended their hot pursuit of New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman as they acquired the 28-year-old in a five-player deal on Monday.
The acquisition of Chapman is an attempt to fix a bullpen that has struggled over the season, and we all know that good bullpens are what dominant October. While the hard-throwing Chapman has been impressive throughout his career, one key stat sticks out the most and it involves the Cubs most-hated rival.
According to ESPN, Chapman hasn’t allowed a run to the St. Louis Cardinals since 2011 marking 25-straight scoreless appearances. That’s almost five full years of shutting the door on the Cardinals. The closer has also struck out Cardinals batters 46 times during that span.
With the Cardinals currently 7.5 games behind the Cubs at the time of the deal, Chicago has the leg up on the division with just 2 or so months to go. Chapman also gives the Cubs an advantage late in games as the right-handed is very difficult to hit.
The NL Central race isn’t over however, as the two teams still have 10 games left against eachother this season. But if the Cubs get up and Chapman comes in, the Cubs have to love their chances.
The Chicago Cubs make it clear that next year is right now
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