There’s obviously no love lost between the Boston Red Sox and the rival New York Yankees, and Aroldis Chapman is dialing that animosity up a few notches.
The Red Sox closer, who spent seven seasons as the closer of the Yankees, said he would rather retire than come back to the Bronx on the “Swing Completo” podcast recently.
Chapman, who will turn 38 in February, has one more season on his contract with the Red Sox plus a mutual option for 2027. He went 5-3 with a 1.17 ERA and 32 saves in a resurgent season, helping the Red Sox reach the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Chapman registered 153 saves with the Yankees and ranks third on their all-time list — behind only Mariano Rivera and Dave Righetti.
Aroldis Chapman Would ‘Pack His Things And Go Home’ If Traded to the Yankees
Chapman was acquired by the Yankees before the 2016 MLB season then spent part of that one season before they traded him to the Chicago Cubs — where he helped them win their first title in 108 years.
But Chapman returned to New York on a five-year, $86 million contract and ended up getting two deals in the Bronx. But things soured, which is why he no longer feels warm and fuzzy about his time with the Yankees.
“No way, not even dead,” Chapman answered, as translated from Spanish, according to ESPN.com. “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.”
Chapman lost his closer role with the Yankees in 2022, ceding it to Clay Holmes on their run to the ALCS that year. Chapman went 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA in the regular season and did not make a postseason appearance for the Yanks that year.
“I dealt with a lot of disrespect with them,” Chapman said, referencing the Yankees. “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, and I just dealt with it quietly, kept playing, and doing what I always do.”
Aroldis Chapman Hinted At A Rift With Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman
Even though the Yankees and Red Sox are rivals, there is a lot of crossover between the rosters, particularly in Boston’s bullpen.
Chapman was one of four former Yankees among 2025 Red Sox relievers, since he, Garret Whitlock, Greg Weissert and Justin Wilson each also pitched in the Bronx.
Few former Yankees have bad things to say about manager Aaron Boone, and the Red Sox closer affirmed that sentiment — and that he keeps up with many of his former teammates that are still playing in pinstripes. But he may not get along with GM Brian Cashman or owner Hal Steinbrenner.
“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.”
Red Sox Star Reliever Says He’d Rather Retire Than Join Yankees