By José Alejandro Rodríguez Zas
One of the top relievers available in the current free agency prior to the start of the 2023 MLB season is, without question, Cuban left-hander Aroldis Chapman, who concluded his contract with the New York Yankees after seven seasons of service in the Bronx.
With a market value estimated by SpotRac.com at $6.7 million per season, Chapman now ranks as the third highest-priced closer available for signing in free agency, behind only Taylor Rogers (valued at $13.1 million) and Seth Lugo ($7.3 million), while Craig Kimbrel ($6.2 million) is close on the Cuban’s heels.
In the midst of off-season negotiations, Aroldis offered exclusive statements to Swing Completo during a visit by Daniel de Malas to Miami, Florida, in which the closer made clear his intentions to sign as a free agent.
“Do you have the mentality, at least, to sign before Spring Training arrives,” de Malas asked Chapman.
“Yes, of course,” the reliever replied. “I want to be able to sign with a team before the end of the year.
“Are you looking for a one-year contract or a multi-year contract?” asked de Malas.
“In particular, I’m looking for a one-year contract, to play one season and then we’ll see what the future holds,” said the experienced pitcher.
“That doesn’t mean I can’t sign for more than one year, but that’s what I have in mind right now,” he added.
EN EXCLUSIVA para @SwingCompletoBB el #cubano 🇨🇺 Aroldis Chapman nos contó que está buscando contrato de 1️⃣ solo año, aunque aceptaría ofertas mayores.
— Daniel de Malas (@daniel_malakaka) December 11, 2022
Aroldis Chapman told us he is only looking for a one year contract, but if there is a multiyear offer he will take it pic.twitter.com/EXCBkXvZd0
Chapman has 13 seasons of experience in the Majors with three teams: Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. He has a 44-35 record with 315 saves in 667 games pitched, all as a reliever. His ERA is 2.48, WHIP is 1.07 and he has struck out 1045 batters in 640.0 innings of work, in which he has held opponents to just .164 batting average.
I think he’s ready to prove he still can be one of the best closers in the mlb he’s a good pitcher with 98plus mph fastball he should be signing anytime soon
We agree with you, a couple of bad seasons should not define him, mainly when his fastball is still clocked in the high 90s. Also, in 2022 he had a SOLID start of the season, only to slump and struggle with injuries. It might be related to the Yankees and the pressures and cruelty one is subject of while playing in the Bronx…