Aroldis Chapman is heading to Kansas City. But he’d be smart to rent, rather than buy, a new home.
That’s because USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports “The Royals are banking on him having a good first half so they can trade him.”
The former New York Yankees reliever agreed Thursday to sign with the Royals. But in doing so, NJ Advance Media’s Randy Miller reports Chapman left money on the table. And from a National League pennant contender, no less.
I’m hearing Aroldis Chapman turned down more money from Padres to sign with Royals for one year at $3.75M. He wants to close and he’ll do that in KC. Marlins offered $2M.
The Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Dodgers also expressed interest in signing Chapman.
The 34-year-old Chapman went 4-4 with nine saves in 43 appearances last season and posted a career-worst 4.46 ERA. He pretty much burned all bridges leading to the Bronx during the 2022 MLB playoffs, when he was a no-show for a workout at Yankee Stadium.
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The 13-year MLB veteran is a seven-time All-Star and his 315 career saves are 24th all-time, but third among active pitchers. Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Craig Kimbrel has 394 saves and Boston Red Sox reliever Kenley Jansen has 391 saves.
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Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected].