The Pittsburgh Pirates officially announced the signing of free agent reliever Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal on Wednesday.
Terms were not disclosed but reports last week said the seven-time All-Star will earn $10.5 million in 2024.
The lefty, who turns 36 before the season, will join his sixth major league team fresh off winning his second World Series ring in 2023 with the Texas Rangers.
“Aroldis has been among a handful of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball for the last decade,” said Pirates general manager Ben Cherington. “He’s performed on the biggest stage and, through his outstanding work ethic, has retained elite stuff that helps him succeed in the most difficult parts of the game. We are excited to see him in black and gold and for him to join our bullpen group.”
The Kansas City Royals dealt Chapman to the Rangers last summer, and Texas went on to win its first World Series. In 2016, Chapman was traded from the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs, who won their long-sought World Series that fall.
In 61 games for Kansas City and Texas last season, Chapman had six saves and blew five while finishing with a 6-5 record and a 3.09 ERA. He recorded six holds during the Rangers’ dominant run through the postseason.
He has a career 50-40 record, a 2.53 ERA, 321 saves and 43 blown saves across 728 relief appearances for the Cincinnati Reds (2010-15), Yankees (2016, 2017-22), Cubs (2016), Royals and Rangers.
The Pirates designated outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba for assignment to clear room for Chapman on the 40-man roster.
–Field Level Media
