- Aroldis Chapman, left-handed pitcher, signs a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- The Pirates aim to bolster their young team by adding experienced left-handed pitchers; previously acquired Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales.
- Chapman’s impressive career includes being part of the Texas Rangers’ first World Series win, performing well in the postseason, and being recognized as one of the greatest closers in baseball history.
Additional Coverage:
Left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman has reportedly signed a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Chapman, known for his blazing fastball, was instrumental in helping the Texas Rangers win their first World Series championship last year. In the 2022 season, he struck out 103 batters in 58⅓ innings with a 3.09 ERA.
The Pirates, who are expected to have one of the youngest teams in the league next season, have been active in adding veteran left-handed pitchers this offseason. They previously acquired Martin Perez and Marco Gonzales.
Chapman’s career took a turn in 2022 when he was left off the New York Yankees’ postseason roster. He then signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 before being traded to the Rangers in June. Although Chapman didn’t secure the closer role in Texas, he performed well in the postseason, allowing only two runs in eight innings.
As Chapman enters his 15th season in the majors, he is recognized as one of the greatest closers in baseball history. With a career strikeout rate of 14.8 per nine innings, the highest among pitchers with over 500 innings, and 321 saves, he has also made seven All-Star teams.