Aroldis Chapman Royals Agree Deal MLBcom

Aroldis Chapman, Royals Agree Deal – MLB.com

The royals have agreed to a one-year deal with hard-fought helper Aroldis Chapman, a source told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Thursday. The club has not confirmed the deal, which is expected to be valued at $3.75 million plus performance bonuses. Kansas City will be looking to a turnaround from Chapman, who was known for his consistent triple-digit speed earlier in his career.

The 2022 season was a miserable one for the seven-time All-Star. Chapman recorded some of the worst stats of his 13-year career and was marred by multiple injury-list stints as well as questions about his willingness to be a team player.

Although Chapman started the year with 12 goalless appearances, a stretch followed in May when he conceded at least one run in six straight games. Chapman was transferred to the 15-day IL on May 24 with left Achilles tendonitis and missed the next six weeks, effectively losing his role as the Yanks’ approach to the 2022 All-Star Clay Holmes.
Chapman traveled to the IL again in August due to a leg infection resulting from a tattoo.

He returned from that month-long absence to finish the regular season well, but was held back from the team’s postseason roster after missing a mandatory team practice session prior to the ALDS without an acceptable excuse.

Chapman’s average four-seam fastball speed dropped to a career-low 97.5 mph last season, and that contributed to his worst marks in strikeout rate (26.9%) and swinging strike rate (12 .7%) at. His 17.5% walk rate was the second highest of his career, while his 4.46 ERA was his worst in nearly a full run.

Chapman finished the season with nine saves, his fewest in a full season since 2011. His 315 career saves rank 24th in AL/NL history and are the third most among active pitchers, behind only Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel.