A crucial step of exiting a rebuild and become a contending team is closing out games that are winnable. The Kansas City Royals addressed that by signing Aroldis Chapman, one of the MLB's most feared pitchers over the last decade, to a 1 year deal yesterday.

 

Chapman is a seven-time All Star who has spent time with the Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, and most recently New York Yankees. He features a four pitch mix of a fastball, slider, changeup, and splitter.

 

When originally called up, Chapman's fastball reached speeds of up to 105 miles per hour. However, there have been some concerns about his velocity with age, as Chapman will turn 35 before Opening Day.

 

Chapman will set out to prove he has something left in the tank, and will be a critical part of the Royals bullpen this season.

 

Royals baseball begins when pitchers and catchers report on February 15th, with Opening Day on March 30th against the Minnesota Twins.