Kansas City Royals Sign 7x All-Star Reliever, World Series Champion

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms on a one-year, $3.75 million contract with free agent left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman, MLB insider Mark Feinsand reports.

Chapman gets one year at $3.75 million plus performance bonuses from the Royals, per source.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) January 19, 2023

After picking up 30 saves in 2021, Chapman experienced the worst statistical season of his career in 2022, clocking a 4.46 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 88 ERA+ over 36.1 innings pitched and 43 appearances. His 2022 ERA, WHIP and ERA+ were the worst of his career.

Chapman fell out of favor with the New York Yankees, and after skipping a voluntary workout, was left off the club's postseason roster, effectively ending his time as a Yankee.

Chapman pitched the last six seasons for the Yankees. Prior to that, he won a World Series as member of the Chicago Cubs in 2016. The Yankees acquired him in a trade from the Cincinnati Reds before the start of the 2016 season, then traded him at the trade deadline to the Cubs in a package to acquire Gleyber Torres. Chapman then signed a six-year contract to return to the Yankees upon the conclusion of the 2016 season.

Chapman pitched his first six Major League seasons with the Reds, where he was named an All-Star in four straight seasons between 2011 and 2014. In 2019, with the Yankees, Chapman was named the American League Reliever of the Year.

A member of the 300 save club, Chapman could be primed for a bounce-back in 2023.

Last year, the Royals finished dead last in the American League Central with a 65-97 record. According to odds of winning from Fanduel, the Royals' over/under win total for 2023 is 67.5.

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