Chapman already had one stint with the Yankees. He roamed around their bullpen from 2016-22. He racked up 153 saves, although his ERA was a little high at 2.94.

This year, he has been fantastic. He’s 38 years old, but has totaled 12 saves while allowing just one earned run in 18.2 innings of work. He also has 25 strikeouts with only seven walks.

Why would the Yankees have interest in RP Aroldis Chapman?

David Bednar has anchored the bullpen thus far. He has 12 saves, but his 4.50 ERA and 1.58 WHIP hint at things not going smoothly all of the time.

There have been question-mark performances from Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. Brent Headrick has been the most consistent reliever to date. But even he has allowed 27 hits and 11 walks in 28.2 innings.

It’s not that the Yankees didn’t try to fix things, according to nypost. com.

“Their three main acquisitions to the bullpen from last year have been part of the problem this season,” Dan Martin wrote. “Camilo Doval has already given up as many homers — four — in 20 innings as he did all of last season in 65.1

“Jake Bird has battled inconsistency but has been better recently, pitching effectively in his last 10 appearances, covering 7.1 innings. And then there’s David Bednar, who has struggled keeping runners off the bases — and from scoring.”

Clearly, this is a bullpen that needs an upgrade. And that is what Chapman could supply.

It’s a trade that makes sense, according to CBS Sports.

“Chapman’s contract includes a $13 million option for 2027 that vests with 40 innings this year, so he’s not really a rental, which could appeal to some teams,” Mike Axisa wrote. “Even at age 38, Chapman has again been out-of-this-world good this season.”

What would the Yankees have to give up for Aroldis Chapman?

The Yankees wouldn’t want to break the farm system bank. Chapman would be a nice addition. He could even be a postseason game-changer.

However, the guys in front of Chapman will have to pitch better if the team wants to seriously contend for the American League championship. And possibly get another shot at the dreaded Dodgers.

This is a two-prospect trade. And since they’re dealing with a big rival, the Yankees have to be careful who they send to Boston.

Perhaps they could start with lefty Kyle Carr. He’s a potential 2027 major-league arrival, according to MLB.com.

“Carr compensates for a lack of physicality with athleticism and arm speed,” MLB.com wrote. “He pounded the strike zone in junior college but has become more of a nibbler, working with a diminished arsenal against pro hitters. He has flashed bigger stuff in offseason workouts the last two years, so the Yankees hope he’ll show improved velocity in 2026.

“Carr worked with a 91-97 mph fastball at Palomar and now operates at 90-92 and maxes out at 95, and while he doesn’t miss many bats with his two- and four-seamers, he also generates a lot of weak contact. His slider has lost some power and sweep as well, going from the low 80s to the upper 70s, and it’s now more of an average offering. He has switched to a harder changeup that sits in the mid-80s with decent sink.”

There are enough question marks for the Yankees to be comfortable sending him northward. Carr could be accompanied by infielder Core Jackson. His off-the-field issues bring some doubt.

“The Yankees’ decision to select Jackson in the fifth round last July drew criticism after reports surfaced that he drew a swastika on the dorm room of a Jewish student when he was a freshman at Nebraska in 2021,” MLB.com wrote. “He was charged with impaired driving in 2024. (Jackson) usually crushes fastballs, but had trouble making contact against in-zone heaters last summer. (He) has the ingredients for at least 15-homer power, especially if he can learn to elevate more pitches.

“Jackson was more impressive defensively in his first taste of pro ball. He displays smooth actions, solid range, and plus arm strength, leaving no doubt he can remain at shortstop. He has average speed with good baserunning instincts.”

These are both players that the Yankees could deal to get a great bullpen arm. Whether the Red Sox consider it fair compensation is another story altogether.