Royals' Chapman open to returning to Reds: 'It'd be awesome'

Kansas City Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman would welcome a trade to the upstart Cincinnati Reds if an opportunity presented itself.

"I've played for 13, 14 years in the big leagues, and I don't know how many more years I'll play," Chapman said Monday before the Royals and Reds started a three-game series, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer. "It'd be awesome to play my last year or two years with my first team."

Chapman, who suited up for the Reds during the first six years of his career, is putting together a nice bounce-back season for the last-place Royals. The 35-year-old left-hander owns a 2.70 ERA with 1.68 FIP and 15.8 K/9 over 25 appearances. His performance and status as a pending free agent will likely make him a desirable trade target.

"I think we all know that Chapman is a guy that teams are going to be interested in," Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said. "They may start pushing sooner, but there is no need to push it along artificially. Just let it happen. He keeps doing what he's doing, he is going to hold value, and we should get a nice return for him."

The seven-time All-Star could pair with Reds closer Alexis Diaz to make a formidable one-two punch in the bullpen.

Cincinnati enters Tuesday's action just 3.5 games out of the NL Central lead. The team has been surprisingly competitive after a 100-loss season in 2022.