Aroldis Chapman signing with Pirates on one-year deal
Aroldis Chapman will be playing for his fourth team in three seasons while making a return to the NL Central.
The fire-balling closer agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Pirates on Monday, The Post’s Joel Sherman confirmed.
The deal does not contain any option years.
The 35-year-old Chapman, who spent six-plus seasons with the Yankees between 2016-22, rediscovered his mojo last season while splitting time with the Royals and World Series champion Rangers.
He pitched to a combined 6-5 record with a 3.09 ERA and six saves over 58.1 innings during the regular season.
Chapman, who began his career with the Reds, was even better during the Rangers’ playoff run, posting a 2.37 ERA with six holds in 46.1 innings.
The move is a sign the Pirates are pushing to contend this season after their young core produced an encouraging 76-86 campaign in 2023.
Chapman will be paired with two-time All-Star closer David Bednar, who is coming off 39 save season with a sparking 2.00 ERA.
Pittsburgh was 19th in MLB last season with a 4.27 bullpen ERA.
Chapman, who won the 2016 World Series with the Cubs, struggled in his final years with the Yankees, posting ERAs of 3.67 and 4.46 ERA in 2021 and 2022 respectively.
