The Kansas City Royals have reportedly signed 34-year-old Cuban-born Aroldis Chapman to a contract, according to a source from MLB.com. The contract, which is expected to be worth $3.75 million with performance bonuses, is yet to be officially acknowledged by the club. A physical examination is expected to take place soon.
Chapman, who is known for his high-velocity pitches earlier in his career, is expected to bring a turnaround to the Royals’ team. However, his performance in the 2022 season was below par. He had some of his career’s worst statistics and his record was marred by several spells on the injured list, as well as doubts about his team player attitude.
Despite starting the year with 12 scoreless appearances, he struggled in May, giving up at least one run in six straight games. A left Achilles tendonitis injury resulted in him losing his position as the Yankees’ closer to 2022 All-Star Clay Holmes.
His four-seam fastball average velocity dropped to a career-low 97.5 mph, resulting in a career-worst strikeout rate of 26.9% and swinging strike rate of 12.7%. His 4.46 ERA was the worst by nearly a full run, and his 17.5% walk rate was the second-highest of his career. He finished the season with nine saves, which was the fewest since 2011.
With 315 career saves, he is currently ranked third among active pitchers, behind only Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel and 24th overall in AL/NL history.
The Royals, Padres, and Marlins were among the teams who showed interest in Chapman. Kansas City, which had one of the worst bullpens in the league last season, was looking to bolster their bullpen this winter.
Fans reacted to Chapman’s deal with the Royals
I’m hearing Aroldis Chapman turned down more money from Padres to sign with Royals for one year at $3.75M. He wants to close and he’ll do that in KC. Marlins offered $2M.
— Randy Miller (@RandyJMiller) January 19, 2023
On Twitter, it appears that fans are somewhat wondering why Chapman decided to turn down another team that is paying more than the Royals. Fans are stating that it could be his ego that is not wanting him to join the Padres.
Fans are accusing the Cuban Missile (a nickname for Chapman) by stating, “Lol turned down more money and a legit chance to WIN a ring all because of ego and a title. Wish I could say I was surprised but it’s expected at this point. Good riddance.”
Here are more stories related to baseball.