THE Pittsburgh Pirates have signed veteran relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman.
The two-time World Series champion has signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the MLB side.
2
2
Chapman, 35, moves to Pittsburgh fresh off a title run with the Texas Rangers.
The Cuba native landed on the Rangers in Texas' midseason trade with the Kansas City Royals, which included Cole Ragans and Roni Cabrera.
The left-handed pitcher had a combined 3.09 ERA, 103 strikeouts, six saves, and .175 batting average against in 61 appearances last season.
"Aroldis has been among a handful of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball for the last decade," Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said of the seven-time All-Star.
READ MORE ON MLB
"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."
Chapman started his MLB career after signing a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Cincinnati Reds.
He won his first championship ring after landing on the Chicago Cubs in 2016 following a brief spell with the New York Yankees.
Most read in Baseball
The 6-foot-4 pitcher reunited with the Yankees the following season, signing a five-year, $86 million deal.
It was the biggest contract ever given to a relief pitcher at the time.
Chapman will enter the 2024 campaign with 1,148 career strikeouts, which ranks 10th all-time in MLB history.
In 14 seasons, the MLB veteran has also logged a 2.53 ERA and 321 saves.
And he has earned $155.3 million in career earnings.
"It’s a young team and they seem really thirsty to win and I’m an athlete who likes to compete," Chapman said of signing with the Pirates via a translator.
"So being here with a team who really wants to get in this division race and start winning was good for me."
