Chapman signing with Royals on one year deal

*Photo from Pinstripe Alley*

   One of the curious cases of baseball has a new home. The Kansas City Royals and LHP Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one year, $3.75 million deal, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The Royals have confirmed the signing.

   Chapman's contract also contains incentives as he looks to bounce back in the Midwest. The 2022 season was a rough one for Chapman, who was a very streaky pitcher throughout the year. His season ended after he left the New York Yankees after not being guaranteed a playoff roster spot following a team workout.

   He also made multiple trips to the IL in 2022, missing 6 weeks with left Achillies tendinitis in May and June, and then wound up on the IL in August due to a leg infection following a tattoo. He also lost his spot as closer to Clay Holmes thanks to his inconsistency.

   As for his stats on the field, Chapman had decent numbers. He converted 9 saves, posting a 1.43 WHIP, 4.57 FIP, and 4.46 ERA, throwing 36 1/3 innings while striking out 43 hitters in 43 relief appearances, also walking 28 hitters.

   Last season, Chapman's fastball averaged 97.5 miles per hour, the lowest of his career. His 9 saves were also the lowest in a full season since 2011, when he only had one save. His 26.9 percent strikeout rate was a career worst, as was his 4.46 ERA. His 17.5 percent walk rate was the second highest of his career.

   However, Chapman is a fantastic reliever when he is on the top of his game. He had 5 straight seasons of at least 30 saves from 2012-2016, coinciding with 4 straight All Star Game selections. He made 3 All Star Games from 2018-2022, recording a 37 save season in 2019. His 315 saves trail only Craig Kimbrel and Kenley Jansen for most among active pitchers.

   Chapman has played for the Yankees, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds in his 13 big league seasons. He has a 2.48 ERA, 2.34 FIP, and 1.07 WHIP in 640 innings pitched, with 315 saves in 667 relief appearances. In the postseason, Chapman has 10 saves in 41 1/3 innings pitched, appearing in 35 games.

   So far this offseason, the Royals have added Jordan Lyles and Ryan Yarbrough to the pitching staff in what has been a quiet offseason for the Royals to date.