Royals

Speculation becomes reality with Royals’ signing of Aroldis Chapman: SportsBeat KC pod

New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Yankees pitcher Aroldis Chapman throws during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) AP

From a roster standpoint, it had been a mostly quiet offseason for the Royals. That changed Thursday when they signed left-handed relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman to a one-year deal.

Maybe the change of scenery will serve Chapman well. He had been a dominant closer for much of his time with the Yankees and the Reds (and Blue Jays and Cubs), winning a World Series ring in Chicago. But he missed a mandatory team workout before a playoff series and was left off New York’s postseason roster.

On today’s show, Royals beat writer Lynn Worthy doesn’t exactly break down the move — the show was taped before the signing of Chapman became official — but he speculated about what it might mean for the Royals.

Also discussed: Brady Singer’s arbitration case, what position Aldaberto Mondesi will play this year and the importance of acquiring Jordan Lyles.

Story link:

KC Royals roll the dice on high-risk, high-reward free-agent reliever Aroldis Chapman

Blair Kerkhoff
The Kansas City Star
Blair Kerkhoff has covered sports for The Kansas City Star since 1989. He was elected to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
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