The Pittsburgh Pirates today signed left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman to a one-year contract for the 2024 season.

The 35-year-old went a combined 6-5 with six saves, a 3.09 ERA (58.1ip/20er), 103 strikeouts and .175 batting average against in 61 appearances last season with Kansas City and the World-Champion Texas Rangers.

Chapman ranked second among all relievers in MLB last season in strikeouts per 9.0 innings (15.89), fourth in strikeouts (103) and 13th in batting average against (.175). He began the 2023 season with Kansas City, where he did not allow a run in 24 of his 31 outings, before being acquired by Texas on June 30. He posted a 3.72 ERA (29.0ip/12er) in 30 outings with Texas during the regular season before going on to record a 2.25 ERA (8.0ip/2er) in nine appearances during the postseason.

Chapman has been named to the All-Star team seven times during his Major League career since making his debut in 2010 with Cincinnati. He is one of just four pitchers in MLB history to earn at least seven All-Star selections along with Mariano Rivera (13), Craig Kimbrel (nine) and Goose Gossage (eight).

Chapman will enter the 2024 campaign with 1148 career strikeouts as a relief pitcher, which ranks 10th all-time in MLB history, and third among left-handed pitchers behind Billy Wagner (1196) and Jesse Orosco (1169). He has converted 321 of his 364 save opportunities (88.2 percent), which is the 13th-highest save percentage in MLB history (minimum 100 save opportunities).

“Aroldis has been among a handful of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball for the last decade,” said Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington. “He’s performed on the biggest stage and, through his outstanding work ethic, has retained elite stuff that helps him succeed in the most difficult parts of the game. We are excited to see him in black and gold and for him to join our bullpen group.”

To make room for Chapman on the 40-man roster, outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba has been designated for assignment.