Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman. Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Aroldis Chapman is shining with the Royals

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated 4/26/23

After a rocky end to his tenure with the New York Yankees, Aroldis Chapman has looked like his old self with the Kansas City Royals.

After signing a one-year, $3.75M deal with incentives that can see him earn up to $8.75M, Chapman focused on getting himself in shape to prove that he can still play at the highest level. A low-risk, high-reward acquisition, Chapman figures to get plenty of chances out of the bullpen throughout the season to continue what he has done so far.

Off to a hot start with the Royals, Chapman has seen his velocity creep into the low 100s again while still possessing nasty movement on his pitches.

Aroldis Chapman, 103mph ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/iV25XYfAB8
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 23, 2023

With other offers in the offseason, Chapman chose Kansas City with the hopes to build back his reputation as one of the sport's top relief pitchers. With lower expectations to compete for a playoff spot, he is able to pitch loose on the mound, which has led to positive results so far in 2023.

Pitching in 10 games totaling 9 1/3 innings, he has posted a 1.93 ERA while allowing a minuscule 0.96 WHIP.

Chapman is highly likely to get dealt at the trade deadline due to his one-year deal. The Royals, sitting in last place in the American League Central with a record of 6-18, won't have much incentive to hold on to the veteran after this season.

Proving he still has the arm talent is not the only thing Chapman will have to do. He will have to show a contending team that he has what it takes to be fully engaged throughout the season to help convince a contender to make a deal for him.

Keep an eye out for contending teams to start lining up if Chapman can continue doing what he's done over the first month of the season.

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