Pirates have signed veteran closer Aroldis Chapman to a one-year, $10.5 million contract pending a physical examination. After winning the World Series with the Texas Rangers, Cuban flamethrower Chapman is beginning his 15th MLB season with the Kansas City Royals in 2024.
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Aroldis Chapman’s Stellar Performance: Second World Series Win
Chapman’s Rangers contributions and postseason performances helped him land a better deal. The 35-year-old left-handed pitcher won his second World Series in October 2023. He joined the Cincinnati Reds in 2010 and made four straight All-Star Game appearances, starting in 2012. He also finished on the NL Cy Young and MVP ballots.
Chapman then played for the New York Yankees, helping the Cubs win the 2016 championship. After returning to the Yankees via free agency, he earned three more All-Star selections until 2022.
After leaving the Yankees last winter, Chapman rebounded in 2023 with the Royals and Rangers, with a 3.09 ERA and 1.251 WHIP.
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Chapman’s Stellar Career Stats
Chapman’s career stats include 50-40, 321 saves, 2.53 ERA, and 1.084 WHIP. His playoff performance was remarkable, with a 3-4 record, 10 saves, 2.37 ERA, and 1.135 WHIP in 44 appearances.
Chapman gives the Pirates a reliable late-inning reliever to supplement David Bednar. Bednar, the 2023 NL saves leader with 39, and Chapman creates a strong bullpen. Manager Derek Shelton can trust this veteran duo, creating one of baseball’s most trustworthy late-game relief tandems for 2024.
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