Aroldis Chapman is fast becoming a man of surprises. When he signed with the Kansas City Royals as a free agent, it was a big astonishment. Even more startling, the former closer for the New York Yankees has said that he will play for Great Britain in the World Baseball Classic.
Aroldis Chapman was born and raised in Cuba and many call him “Cuban Missile” for being the fastest pitcher. But, according to Yordano Carmona, the ex-Yankees pitcher is now a part of Great Britain’s 50-man roster for the World Baseball Classic. Chapman told Carmona that he doesn’t know if he will play even though he was added to the roster.
The Royals and Aroldis Chapman just signed a one-year, $3.75 million deal. After seven years with the Yankees, he moved to Kansas City. During his time with New York, Chapman had 153 saves, an earned run average of 2.94, and a K/BB ratio of 453/153.
Aroldis Chapman played in the World Baseball Classic for Cuba in 2009. They got out of the group stage, but in the second round of the playoffs, they were eliminated. Chapman went 0-1 and had an ERA of 5.68. Chapman was interested in pitching for the USA in the WBC when he was with the Yankees.
He can play for Great Britain because his family is from Jamaica. Up until 1962, Jamaica was a British colony. Still, fans didn’t expect to see Aroldis Chapman added to Great Britain’s WBC roster.
This coming season with the Royals, Aroldis Chapman will try to improve his career stats. He has 315 saves, which is the 24th most in the history of MLB. Even though no one expected it, he will try to make Great Britain proud in the World Baseball Classic.
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