Have a fastball, and you’ll journey. Such is the case for reduction pitcher Aroldis Chapman.
Chapman has bounced across the league since his time with the Yankees ended. He signed a one-year contract with the Royals for the 2023 season earlier than being traded to the Rangers in June. Chapman was a key a part of the Rangers bullpen throughout their championship run. He signed one other one-year take care of the Pirates for 2024, making him a free agent once more this offseason.
Chapman continued to pitch nicely, posting a 3.79 ERA and a 1.346 WHiP in his 61.2 innings, putting out 98 batters with 39 walks. Chapman took over because the Pirates nearer down the stretch, notching 14 saves. Whereas his command points stay, he nonetheless has his electrical fastball, routinely hitting triple digits. He can nonetheless be an choice in late innings for a contending workforce.
The place will Aroldis Chapman find yourself in free company? Let’s check out three attainable touchdown spots.
Kansas Metropolis Royals
The Kansas Metropolis Royals addressed their bullpen on the 2024 commerce deadline, including nearer Lucas Erceg and Hunter Harvey. Each relievers shall be a part of the 2025 bullpen, however extra assist is required.
Whereas Royals common supervisor J.J. Picollo downplayed including to the bullpen this offseason, one other reliever would make sense. The Royals bullpen ranked twentieth within the majors with a 4.13 ERA and twenty eighth with 8.06 Okay/9. A reunion with Chapman would add one other high-octane arm to the again of the bullpen and supply a reliever with closing expertise ought to Erceg falter.
Minnesota Twins
There have been loads of explanation why the Minnesota Twins imploded over the ultimate two months of the 2024 season. The Twins’ bullpen was a key a part of the issue, their 4.50 ERA from Aug. 1 by way of the top of the season rating twenty third within the majors.
Left-handed reduction was a sore spot for the Twins all through the season. Twins lefty relievers ranked final within the majors with a 5.75 ERA and twenty eighth with a .328 batting common on balls in play in opposition to. The Twins depth chart at present has Kody Funderburk as the one lefty within the bullpen. As Funderburk posted a 6.49 ERA and a 1.615 WHiP in his 34.2 innings, one other left-handed reliever would make sense. Chapman may very well be the piece the Twins want.
Los Angeles Angels
The Los Angeles Angels have been one of many extra energetic groups within the early levels of free company, spending over $90 million to fortify their roster. The bullpen, particularly from the left facet, is one other space of want.
Angels left-handed relievers posted a 4.72 ERA in 2024, twenty fifth within the majors. There are questions within the bullpen past the Angels’ potential lefties; presumed nearer Ben Joyce has a 105 mph fastball however has 4 saves in his profession. Robert Stephenson missed your complete 2024 season attributable to Tommy John surgical procedure. Chapman would add a veteran presence with nearer expertise to a workforce that should shore up the again of its bullpen if it’ll actually contend for a playoff spot.
