BREAKING: Aroldis Chapman has made a shocking statement about his relationship with the New York Yankees, declaring he would “retire on the spot” rather than ever play for them again. During an explosive appearance on the “Swing Completo” podcast, Chapman, now with the Boston Red Sox, aired his grievances about his time in New York, igniting a firestorm of reactions from fans and analysts alike.
Chapman, who previously served as the Yankees’ closer from 2016 to 2022, emphatically stated, “No way, not even dead,” when asked if he would consider a return. He added, “If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I’d pack my things and go home. I’ll retire right on the spot if that happens. I’m not crazy. Never again.”
This bold declaration comes after a remarkable comeback season with the Red Sox, where Chapman recorded 32 saves while boasting a stunning 1.17 ERA and 0.70 WHIP, both of which are career bests. His resurgence earned him a lucrative $13.3 million contract for 2026 with a 2027 vesting option, reflecting his impactful performance.
Chapman’s turbulent history with the Yankees is well-documented. After a tumultuous 2022 season, which included being sidelined due to a leg infection from a tattoo and skipping a mandatory workout, he was ultimately left off the Yankees’ roster for the postseason. He did not re-sign after the season, joining the Kansas City Royals in January 2023.
“I dealt with a lot of disrespect [with the Yankees],” Chapman revealed. “I put up with a lot of things. I knew that they just wanted to find a way to get rid of me, but they didn’t know how.”
The 37-year-old pitcher clarified that his grievances lie not with his teammates or manager Aaron Boone, but with the organization’s decision-makers. “I got along well with all the players,” he said. “Never had a problem with anybody, even the manager. We’re friends and we talk and everything. The bosses are the ones who make those decisions.”
Chapman’s comments have sparked extensive discussion among baseball fans and analysts, revealing deep-seated frustrations within professional sports teams and their players. His emotional response highlights the intense pressures athletes face and the impact of organizational dynamics on their careers.
As Chapman continues to shine with the Red Sox, his comments serve as a reminder of the complexities of player-team relationships in Major League Baseball. Fans are eager to see how this bold stance will influence his career moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Chapman continues to make headlines with his performance and candid remarks.