Marlins Insider Dispels A Popular Free Agent Rumor
The Miami Marlins were seen as the favorites to sign left-handed reliever Aroldis Chapman.
In fact, they even hosted a throwing session for him this week, and he reportedly looked very good: his fastball ranged between 96 and 100 mph and he is in top shape.
Somewhat shockingly, the Kansas City Royals were the ones who secured Chapman’s signature on a one-year, $3.75 million deal with performance-based incentives.
A report suggested that the Marlins had made an offer to Chapman for one year.
As I first reported in Spanish at noon, the Marlins is one of 3 teams that has made an offer to left handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman. The other two are the Royals and Padres. https://t.co/9L8tALT0Zw
— Alfre Alvarez 🇨🇺 (@AlfreAlvarez3) January 18, 2023
Despite the continued interest and the fact they organized a bullpen for him, however, Miami never made an official offer.
“Despite anything you may have seen, read, or heard, the Marlins never made a single contractual offer to Aroldis Chapman. This includes following his workout yesterday,” Marlins insider Craig Mish tweeted.
Despite anything you may have seen, read, or heard, the Marlins never made a single contractual offer to Aroldis Chapman. This includes following his workout yesterday.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 19, 2023
It was odd to see the Marlins lose out on Chapman after hosting a throwing session (one that reportedly went great) for him.
The Royals decided to take a chance on him, and if he can show better form, they could flip him at the deadline.
He battled severe control and command issues in the last two seasons, most notably 2022 when he posted a career-worst 4.46 ERA.
His strikeout ability was diminished, too.
Chapman also comes with some off-the-field baggage, which is probably another reason that can explain the overall lack of interest in him.
Still, if he returns to being the Chapman of old, teams will be lining up to make trade offers for him before the deadline.
He is 34 years old but remains in good shape.
It will be up to him to resurrect his career and take another shot at free agency next year.