6:10 p.m.: It's a one-year, $10.5 million guarantee, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post (on X).
6:05 p.m.: The pirates agree Aroldis Chapmanas first reported by Francys Romero (X Link). The deal is still pending.
Chapman receives a one-year contract as a free agent for the second consecutive year. A year ago, he received a relatively modest $3.75 million guaranteed from the Royals and received a raise after an impressive season that culminated in his second World Series win. Chapman posted a 3.09 ERA over 58 1/3 innings and struck out a ridiculous 41.4% of opposing batters. Among relievers with more than 50 innings, only Orioles is the star Felix Bautista struck out batters more often.
The left-hander split his year between two teams. For three months he achieved outstanding results in Kansas City. Over 29 2/3 frames with the Royals, he pitched to a 2.45 ERA with a 43.4% strikeout rate. This production and his affordable salary arguably made Chapman the top renter in the summer market. KC made an early move, sending him to the Rangers in a one-for-one deal for the former first-round pick Cole Ragans End of June.
It's the type of outcome rebuilding teams envision when they sign a veteran to a one-year deal. Ragans had an excellent 12-start run to close out the year and looks like a potential mid-rotation or better pitcher that Kansas City controls for five more seasons. Texas knew it was a shorter-term acquisition, but Chapman provided them with a much-needed, high-leverage bullpen arm.
In 29 regular-season innings at Arlington, he posted a 3.72 ERA while fanning out nearly 40% of batters. Chapman saved four games and took six service games from nominal proximity Jose Leclerc. He continued to be involved in meaningful games during the Rangers' run to the first title in franchise history. He collected six more holds in nine playoff appearances, totaling eight innings of two-run ball. There were only six strikeouts and five walks, but Chapman was mostly able to get out of trouble in October.
There's more to come.