San Diego Padres relief pitcher Adrian Morejon is a key piece of one of MLB's top bullpens. This season, Padres relievers rank fourth in ERA (3.25), seventh in WHIP (1.24), are tied for eighth in opponent batting average (.233) and are tied for third in strikeouts (356).
An elite bullpen is one of the biggest factors keeping San Diego in postseason contention. Before taking on the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday, the team is 43-40 and one game back from a National League wild card spot.
Since they're on the bubble, though, the Padres are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline. Despite a handful of high-leverage arms in the bullpen, including Morejon, Jason Adam and Mason Miller, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the team has "their eyes on Aroldis Chapman of the Boston Red Sox."
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While he's an intriguing target for the Padres, someone in the bullpen is a fan of potentially teaming up with the eight-time All-Star. When speaking to The Athletic's Dennis Lin, Morejon touched on his connection with Chapman.
“I have a very good relationship with Chapman, and we’ve been talking a lot,” Morejon said. “I use him as a reference a lot as well, just in his work ethic and the stuff that he does to get himself prepared for every day.”
In 26 games this season, Chapman has produced a 2.19 ERA, a 187 ERA+, a 1.257 WHIP, 16 saves and 32 strikeouts. At 38 years old, the lefty is still averaging 98 miles per hour on his sinker, according to Statcast.
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Since making his debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2010, he has proved to be one of the most effective relief pitchers in MLB. He hasn't begun to slow down much either, earning an All-Star nod with the Red Sox last season.
With the trade deadline just over a month away, the Padres continue to weigh their options. While their bullpen has been strong so far, Morejon has made it clear he'd welcome an addition like Chapman with open arms.
