Aroldis Chapman is departing the Bronx for the Midwest. The left-handed relief pitcher agreed to the terms of a one-year, $3.75 million contract with the Kansas City Royals, a move MLB.com first reported.
Chapman joined the Yankees in 2016 after he signed a five-year, $86 million contract. The deal represented the highest-ever contract for a relief pitcher.
After Chapman’s performance in 2019, the team extended the pitcher for another year, resulting in another $18 million.
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New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman reacts while he waits to be taken out during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Friday, Aug. 19, 2022, in New York.
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Chapman has been named an MLB All-Star seven times throughout his career, but he largely struggled last season. He posted a 4-4 record with nine saves, a 4.46 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP in 43 relief appearances.
The 34-year-old missed a mandatory team workout before the Yankees began the American League Division Series and as a result was left off the team’s roster.
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“It was surprising at first [that he missed the workout], a little shocking, but after the shock wore off when you add everything up, it’s not surprising,” Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said at the time.
“There’s some questions about whether he’s been in all in or not for a little while. He’s maintained verbally that he’s in, but at times, actions don’t match those words.”
Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees in action against the Kansas City Royals during a game at Yankee Stadium on July 30, 2022, in New York City.
(Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Chapman appeared on the injured list in May 2022 due to Achilles tendinitis and eventually lost his role as the closer.
In his seven seasons in New York, Chapman posted a 24-14 record with 153 saves and a 2.94 ERA.
Aroldis Chapman #54 of the New York Yankees looks on from the dugout in the seventh inning during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, October 2, 2022, in New York.
(Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Royals bullpen posted a 4.66 ERA last season, the fourth-worst in the MLB.
For his career, Chapman owns a 44-35 record with 315 saves and a 2.48 ERA in 667 career relief appearances.
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Chapman has also spent time with the Cincinnati Reds and the Chicago Cubs.