The Royals signed veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $3.75 million deal Friday, a week after reaching an agreement with the seven-time All-Star, who is coming off a lackluster season with the New York Yankees.
Chapman was once known for constantly throwing 100 mph fastballs at heartbroken hitters. But the left-hander, who turns 35 on opening day, went 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA in his final season with the Yankees, who ultimately knocked him off the AL Division Series roster when his actions generated doubts about his dedication to the team. team.
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The Kansas City Royals have reached an agreement with veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman, who is coming off the worst season of his 13-year MLB career.
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Chapman had spent time on the disabled list with Achilles tendonitis in May, then lost the closer’s job to Clay Holmes. He was on the disabled list again in August with a leg infection following a tattoo, then missed a mandatory team playoff workout.
The Royals are betting that he can help what was one of the worst bullpens in baseball last season. Relievers had a 4.66 ERA, the fourth-worst in the majors, and the team had done little to improve this offseason until recently trading injury-prone shortstop Adalberto Mondesí and outfielder Michael A. Taylor for a trio. of pitching prospects.
Chapman was an All-Star just two years ago. He is 44-35 with a 2.48 ERA and 315 saves in 13 seasons.