“He Can’t Hurt Us Anymore”- Fans Express Relief as Notorious Ex-new York Yankees Ace Finds a New MLB Home

This MLB off-season has been a chaotic one with several big-name players switching teams in free agency. But the New York Yankees have been able to successfully navigate through it and keep their core intact. There was a real fear that their star outfielder Aaron Judge may leave in free agency. But Judge stayed and signed a new long-term contract. 

The Yankees have lost some players to free agency but they will likely fill those spots soon. According to the latest reports, a longtime Yankees pitcher recently signed a deal to play for another team.

Former New York Yankees Pitcher Aroldis Chapman signs deal with the Kansas City Royals

Yes! You read that right, Aroldis Chapman has signed a contract with the Kansas City Royals. This follows a tumultuous end to his career with the Yankees. During the 2022 ALDS, Chapman was dropped from the roster after missing a mandatory workout. This signaled the end of his tenure with the Yankees as he elected to become a free agent. MLB Insider Mark Feinsand reported that Chapman has signed with the Royals via Tweet. 

In the Tweet, he said, “Aroldis Chapman is signing with the Royals, per source.” This signing may have come as a shock to some as it was out of the blue. Furthermore, many expected Chapman to remain on the market for a while. But the deal is low risk for the Royals as they have signed him for 1-year and $3.75 million.

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Fans have reacted to news of the deal with many Yankees supporters happy to see him go. Other fans have been left surprised by the deal. But there were a few that believed Chapman might make a comeback in 2023. 

It remains to be seen whether the legendary closer will be able to perform well after leaving the New York Yankees. He has had numerous issues off the field during his career and there are questions regarding his upside. 

The Yankees let Chapman go after a bad 2022 season

The Yankees have signed a number of players this off-season. They re-signed Aaron Judge to a 9-year $360 million contract and brought in ace Carlos Rodon. But the team has let go of players as well. They allowed Aroldis Chapman to leave after he “recorded some of the worst stats of his 13-year career”, according to MLB.com’s Anne Rogers.

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Furthermore, he was facing his regular issues with control and was walking a lot of batters. But the last straw for the Yankees was his refusal to join mandatory practice before the ALDS. This led to Chapman being left off the roster for the postseason and his eventual departure from the Yankees. What do you think of the fact that the Royals have signed Aroldis Chapman? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.