New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman reacts after he walked a Boston Red Sox batter in a game in 2021. On Monday, the former Yankee signed a one-year deal with the Pirates. Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Aroldis Chapman walked out on the Yankees in the middle of a playoff run. Now, the revolving door keeps spinning.
Chapman and the Pirates agreed to a one-year deal worth $10.5 million, according to multiple reports, meaning the hard-throwing reliever will now be playing for his fourth team in three seasons. It will also be his return to the National League, where his career began with the Reds in 2010.
As one of the top relievers on the market, Chapman also received interest from the Mets, according to SNY’s Andy Martino.
Chapman, 35, hopes to continue his career resurgence with the Pirates. The righty spent six-plus seasons with the Yankees from 2016-2022, but his tenure came to a close during an ugly breakup. Chapman skipped a mandatory workout and was left off the roster for the American League Divisional Series. Before his postseason exit, Chapman was struggling. He lost his job as the Yankees’ closer early in the season and had a 4.46 ERA in 43 games.
After his run in New York ended, Chapman landed in Kansas City where he rediscovered himself. He was then traded as a deadline deal to the Rangers — and performed at a high level — as Texas went on to win the World Series.
In Pittsburg, Chapman will likely split back-end innings with David Bednar, a two-time All-Star who produced 39 saves and pitched to a 2.00 ERA last season.