Royals Sign Aroldis Chapman
Things change fast. The last time Aroldis Chapman was a free agent, the hard throwing Cuban signed a massive contract with the Yankees. That deal in 2016 was worth $86 million. Chapman then opted out and tacked on a three year deal for $48 million in 2019. Did anyone expect Chapman to sign for single digits the next time he hit the open market?
After essentially being cast away by the Yankees, Chapman has found a new home with the Royals. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com was the first to report the news:
Feinsand later added that this deal will be worth $3.75 million over the course of one year. Not a bad price tag for a player that has the resume of Chapman. The price tag is what it is for a reason. Chapman wore out his welcome in New York.
The domestic violence allegation that led to a 30-game suspension may have also been a factor in his market place as well. Do teams want to spend an arm and a leg for a guy that has off the field issues AFTER coming off a down year? Food for thought.
Does Chapman become the Royals’ closer in 2023? I’m not sure that’s something that’s just going to be given to Chapman after a down year. Chapman, 35, sported a 4.46 ERA in over 36 innings of action in 2022. Walks have always been an issue too. The good news is the pressure of performing with the small market Royals will be far less. Every blown save won’t be nearly as magnified in Kansas City.
