The Kansas City Royals went into the offseason aiming to add bullpen help. Ideally, they wanted a back-end closer-caliber relief pitcher to bolster their relief corps.
Their search led them to Aroldis Chapman, a former World Series champion who was once viewed as an elite closer. He has also garnered attention for high-profile off-field incidents.
The Royals and Chapman reached an agreement on a one-year deal that will pay Chapman $3.75 million plus performance bonuses according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. Chapman became a free agent after parts of seven seasons with the New York Yankees.