It looks like what Aroldis Chapman needed to get his career back on track was to get out of the Bronx.
After pitching with the New York Yankees for years, he had a 4.46 ERA and a myriad of command issues with his fastball in 2022, which forced him out of their plans.
The Kansas City Royals signed him on a cheap one-year deal, and he has thrived in 2023.
As far as velocity concerns, Chapman’s left arm remains in top shape.
“Aroldis Chapman’s 103.8 mph pitch to strikeout Jake Cronenworth in last night’s game ties this season’s MLB record,” FOX Sports: MLB tweeted.
Aroldis Chapman’s 103.8mph pitch to strikeout Jake Cronenworth in last night’s game ties this season’s MLB record.
(via @PitchingNinja) pic.twitter.com/2C2YUbR9TV
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 17, 2023
He threw the fastest pitch in the majors this season (tied for first, but it still counts) at nearly 104 mph.
That’s incredible velocity.
Despite all kinds of issues in his Yankees days, the veteran southpaw still has some gas left in the tank.
He is, as of Wednesday afternoon, sporting a 3.45 ERA but a much better 1.64 FIP.
FIP means Fielding Independent Pitching and examines pitching performance while taking defense out of the equation.
He has pitched 15.2 innings with the Royals and accumulates 25 strikeouts.
In Kansas City, he lowered his BB/9 (walks per nine innings) from 6.94 in 2022 to 4.60, a much more palatable number.
All things considered, Chapman has been having a good rebound season in a low-stress environment.
The Royals, however, are extremely likely to trade him before the deadline: they are not going anywhere this season and they should net a prospect or two from a contending team for the talented lefty.
NEXT:
The Royals Took Down The White Sox On A Rare Play
