Bold Move: Pittsburgh Pirates Set to Sign Aroldis Chapman to Boost Bullpen Strength…
In an exciting development for Pittsburgh Pirates fans, the team is on the verge of securing a deal with the formidable Aroldis Chapman. Initial reports by Francys Romero and Joel Sherman of the New York Post indicate that the Pirates and Chapman have reached an agreement on a one-year contract worth $10.5 million. However, the deal is still pending a physical, and a corresponding move on the 40-man roster will be required once the contract is officially finalized.
Chapman, who is set to turn 36 next month, is coming off a remarkable season that saw him contribute significantly to the Kansas City Royals and later the Texas Rangers, ultimately securing his second World Series win. Last offseason, Chapman signed a one-year deal with the Royals for a modest $3.75 million guarantee. However, after an impressive season, he is now in line for a well-deserved raise.
During the 2023 season, Chapman delivered a stellar performance, boasting a 3.09 ERA over 58 1/3 innings and striking out an outstanding 41.4% of opposing hitters. This exceptional strikeout rate positioned him among the top relievers in the league, with only Félix Bautista of the Orioles recording a higher rate among those with 50 or more innings.
The left-handed pitcher had a notable impact on two teams throughout the season. In his tenure with the Royals, he demonstrated dominance over 29 2/3 innings, achieving a 2.45 ERA and an impressive 43.4% strikeout rate. This performance, coupled with his reasonable salary, made Chapman an attractive asset on the trade market. In June, the Royals traded him to the Rangers in a deal involving former first-round pick Cole Ragans.
The trade yielded positive results for both teams. Chapman continued to excel with the Rangers, contributing significantly to their bullpen in high-leverage situations. Over 29 regular-season innings in Texas, he posted a 3.72 ERA while striking out nearly 40% of batters faced. In addition to his regular-season success, Chapman played a key role in the Rangers’ journey to their first franchise title, securing six holds in nine playoff appearances.
While Chapman’s command has been a point of concern in recent years, particularly regarding his walk rate, he has maintained his reputation as one of the toughest pitchers to hit when he is in the strike zone. His fastball and sinker consistently reach impressive speeds, averaging 99 MPH and above 101 MPH, respectively. Despite occasional control issues, Chapman’s high-octane arsenal translated into a significant number of strikeouts, with hitters making contact on only three-fifths of their swings against him.
In joining the Pirates, Chapman will complement the existing bullpen strength, with David Bednar established as the closer. Chapman is expected to work in a setup capacity, providing valuable experience and a formidable left-handed option for manager Derek Shelton. The Pirates also have Ryan Borucki as another left-handed bullpen option, and Colin Holderman is projected to be the top right-handed setup arm.
While MLB Trade Rumors predicted Chapman to secure a two-year, $24 million deal, the southpaw will instead opt for a one-year commitment. The $10.5 million salary makes him the highest-paid player on the Pirates’ roster for the upcoming season. This signing adds to the Pirates’ strategy of securing one-year deals, with Chapman joining the ranks of Martín Pérez, Andrew McCutchen, and Rowdy Tellez.
The Pirates’ projected player payroll, as calculated by Roster Resource, now stands at around $79 million. This represents a notable increase from last season’s commitments of roughly $73 million. General Manager Ben Cherington had previously hinted at an uptick in spending, indicating a willingness to bolster the team’s competitiveness. The Pirates’ offseason activity is not expected to conclude with Chapman’s signing, as the team might explore options for additional rotation help and potentially seek a veteran presence at second base.
Owner Bob Nutting has expressed optimism about the Pirates staying in playoff contention throughout the upcoming season. The franchise has not reached the postseason since 2015, and the addition of Chapman signals the team’s intent to compete. However, if the playoff aspirations don’t materialize, Chapman could become a valuable asset on the rental trade market for the Pirates, offering flexibility for the future.
In summary, the Pirates’ move to sign Aroldis Chapman adds an electrifying element to the team’s bullpen and signals a commitment to competitiveness. The left-handed veteran brings a wealth of experience, a high strikeout rate, and a history of success in high-leverage situations. As the Pirates continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, Chapman’s presence adds depth and strength to their pitching staff.
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