Position: RHP
Height: 6’6”
Weight: 255
Bats/Throws: R/R
Born: 09/23/1998
Country: Cuba
How Acquired: International Free Agent, 2023
Bonus: $200,000
40-man Roster: No
Rule 5 Eligible: 2027
Minor League Free Agency: 2030
Options Left: 3
Overview
Chapman — who’s no relation to Aroldis — left Cuba for the Dominican Republic in April 2023, got cleared by MLB to sign with a team, then signed with the Pirates at the end of the 2022-23 international signing period. He’s a RHP who throws hard, reportedly 93-98 mph, but his command is very poor. He also throws a slider that’s just in the low-80s. Chapman will need work on his delivery. He spent three years pitching in the Cuban National Series and put up brutal numbers: a 9.82 ERA, 2.55 WHIP and 10.2 BB/9. Chapman was 25 when the Pirates signed him.
2024
The Pirates started Chapman in the Greensboro bullpen and he did well. In 18 innings, he gave up 12 hits and six walks, and fanned 23. At the end of May he moved up to Altoona. He pitched in relief at first but joined the rotation for most of the last two months, although he never threw more than four innings in a start. Chapman generally pitched well for the Curve, with a 3.57 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, although his K/9 dropped to 8.1. He was a little more effective as a starter. Chapman had a reverse platoon split, holding left-handed hitters to a .546 OPS.
Stats
Transactions
December 15, 2023: Signed as an international free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates.