Reports: Pirates sign seven-time All-Star reliever Aroldis Chapman

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Aroldis Chapman, a seven-time All-Star reliever, is set to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to reports from FanSided’s Robert Murray and MLB Network’s Jon Heyman. The deal, as reported by The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, is for one year and $10.5 million, pending a physical.

Chapman’s move to the Pirates follows a half-season stint with the World Series champion Texas Rangers. He joined the Rangers in the middle of the season through a trade from the Kansas City Royals. During his 30 appearances with the Rangers, Chapman achieved a 3.72 ERA and a 1.276 WHIP, recording 50 strikeouts and allowing 16 walks in 29 innings pitched. He notched four saves while serving as a part-time closer alongside fellow relievers José Leclerc and primary closer Will Smith.

In his nine postseason outings, Chapman achieved a 2.25 ERA, registering six strikeouts and allowing five walks over eight innings on the path to securing the World Series victory. During the World Series itself, he conceded only one earned run in two appearances spanning 1 2/3 innings.

At the age of 35, Chapman boasts an impressive 14-season career in MLB. His prime years saw him earn seven All-Star nods, establishing himself as one of baseball’s most dominant closers with notable stints with the Cincinnati Reds and New York Yankees. Additionally, he played a crucial role in the Chicago Cubs’ journey to the World Series.

While Chapman’s last All-Star appearance was in 2021, he remains a force on the mound, recognized for his exceptional fastball velocity. With an average fastball speed of 99.5 mph, he ranks in the 99th percentile in MLB, showcasing his continued prowess as one of the hardest throwers in the game.

Chapman is set to become a part of the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that secured a fourth-place finish in the NL Central with a 76-86 record in 2023. This marked a noteworthy improvement, as it was the first time since 2018 that the Pirates achieved more than 70 wins.

The Pirates are aiming to capitalize on this progress and are optimistic that Chapman’s presence will contribute to their quest for their first winning record in six seasons. He will be joining a bullpen that already features David Bednar, a two-time All-Star closer, who last season tied for the NL lead with an impressive 39 saves.