KC Royals roll the dice on hig...

The Kansas City Royals headed into the summer hoping to bolster their bullpen. They ideally desired a back-end closer-caliber relief pitcher to improve their relief staff.

Their investigation led them to Aroldis Chapman, a former World Series champion and exceptional closer. He's also made headlines for high-profile off-field events.

According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Royals and Chapman agreed on a one-year contract worth $3.75 million plus performance bonuses. After spending portions of seven seasons with the New York Yankees, Chapman became a free agent.

Chapman's time with the Yankees came to an end unexpectedly and unceremoniously, as he was left off the playoff roster. The Yankees released him after he skipped a necessary club exercise and stayed at home in Miami, allegedly dissatisfied with how his season played out, including a demotion from the closer job.

Chapman has thrown more pitches at 103 mph or higher than any other pitcher in the majors since 2008. His average four-seam fastball velocity exceeded 100 mph from 2014 through 2017, with an average of 101.6 mph in 2016 when he helped the Chicago Cubs win the World Series.

Chapman had a 4.46 ERA in 43 appearances (36 1/3 innings) last season, along with a 1.43 WHIP, a 1.54-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, 10.7 strikeouts per 9 innings, and nine saves.

He had an average four-seam fastball velocity of 97.5 mph, but he had a sinker velocity of 100.2 mph (just 34 pitches thrown).

Chapman didn't give up a run in his first 12 appearances of 2022, but he gave up six runs in seven appearances (5 2/3 innings) in May before being placed on the disabled list with tendonitis in his left Achilles tendon.

Chapman returned to the Yankees in July after a rehab assignment. He was placed on the IL again in August for an infection caused by a tattoo.

If Chapman remains a game-ending possibility, it adds to the overall depth of a relief unit that includes right-handed possibilities. Taylor Clarke, Dylan Coleman, Jose Cuas, Carlos Hernandez, Collin Snider, Josh Staumont, and Barlow, as well as Amir Garrett, Richard Lovelady, and Anthony Misiewicz on the mound.

Garrett and Chapman were teammates in the Cincinnati Reds organization, where they both started their major league careers.

Jake Brentz, a left-handed pitcher, will continue his rehab following elbow surgery at the start of the season. Starting pitchers who do not make the rotation might possibly be converted to relievers by the Royals.

Chapman returned to the Yankees in July after a rehab assignment. He was placed on the IL again in August for an infection caused by a tattoo.