The deal, which is pending Chapman’s passing a medical examination, was first reported Monday by Fox Sports.
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The Dodgers, bridesmaids early for several high-profile free agents, were trying to reverse their fortunes by pushing aggressively to obtain Aroldis Chapman from the Reds, sources confirmed for The Post.
LAST SEASON: Perennially among the most dominant relievers in baseball, Chapman led all closers (50 or more appearances) with a 1.63 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings last season. Chapman is in his final arbitration year, and he could cost anywhere from 11-15 million days, and he can leave after this season, so this could be a one-year rental for the Dodgers.
In exchange, the Dodgers will be sending two minor league prospects to the Reds. The report also says that for now the Dodgers are planning to keep Chapman and Kenley Jansen in the bullpen together.
Chapman, especially following the trade of Craig Kimbrel last month from the Padres to the Red Sox, was widely considered the best bullpen arm available on the trade market, and for good reason. The hard-throwing lefty also averages 16.1 strikeouts and 3.8 walks per nine innings.
Both Chapman and Jansen will become free agents following the 2016 season.
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Jansen in that span ranks 10th in ERA (2.33), fourth in FIP (2.10), third in xFIP (2.21), third in K rate (38.6 percent) and third in K-BB% (32 percent).
