Kansas City Royals ‘agree a $3.75m, one-year deal with pitcher Aroldis Chapman’

The Kansas City Royals and Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one-year, $3.75 million contract, according to reports.

The deal is pending a successful physical for the seven-time All-Star, according to the Associated Press.

Chapman was once among the most dynamic pitchers in baseball, known for consistently throwing 100 mph or more.

The Kansas City Royals and Aroldis Chapman have agreed to a one-year, $3.75 million contract.

But the lefty, who will turn 35 on opening day, is coming off the worst season of his 13-year career, going 4-4 ​​with a 4.46 ERA for the Yankees in 2022, raising questions about his dedication to his team. .

Chapman spent time on the disabled list with Achilles tendonitis in May, then lost the closer’s job to Clay Holmes.

He was on the disabled list again in August with a leg infection following a tattoo, and then was kept off New York’s roster for the American League Division Series after missing a mandatory team practice and causing the manager Aaron Boone’s anger.

In his prime, Chapman has been a dynamic closer, making his most recent All-Star team just two years ago.

The lefty is coming off the worst season of his 13-year career with the Yankees in 2022.

In his prime, he’s been a dynamic closer, making his most recent All-Star team two years ago.

And the Royals are hoping that new manager Matt Quatraro, along with a rebuilt coaching staff that now guides their pitchers, can help Chapman rediscover the form that helped him save at least 30 games in eight different seasons.

He is 44-35 with a 2.48 ERA and 315 saves during his career with the Yankees, Reds and Cubs.

The Royals have been desperate for bullpen help, where they were fourth-worst in the majors with a 4.66 ERA last season. His biggest free-agent acquisition thus far has been Ryan Yarbrough, who can start or relieve.