The Washington Nationals are reportedly showing renewed interest in dealing for left-handed closer Aroldis Chapman, the New York Yankees reliever who had been a target of Mike Rizzo before being investigated over allegations of domestic violence last winter.
According to MLB.com's Bill Ladson, the Nationals have identified Chapman and teammate Andrew Miller as possible trade targets as the NL East leaders look to shore up their bullpen for the stretch run.
Rizzo was pursuing Chapman last year in a bid to reunite the four-time All-Star with Dusty Baker, who managed the hard-throwing Cuban for the first four seasons of his career in Cincinnati. The Nationals GM later said he would not explore trading for Chapman while the pitcher's domestic-violence case was pending.
Chapman and Miller continue to be discussed as popular trade targets for teams looking to ransack the Yankees' dominant bullpen while the club struggles to contend in the American League East. On Thursday, reports emerged that members of the Yankees' front office are at odds over whether to buy or sell at the trade deadline.
Sources also told Ladson that the Nationals remain interested in acquiring a bat, with outfielders Carlos Beltran and Jay Bruce mentioned as possible options.
