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So, is that a “no” for Old-Timers’ Day, too?
Aroldis Chapman slammed his former Yankees bosses for how they treated him during his time in pinstripes when asked if he would consider returning to the Yankees on a recent podcast.
“No way. Not even dead,” Chapman said in Spanish on the “Swing Completo” podcast.
“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.”
Luckily for Chapman, that seems unlikely to happen.
The 37-year-old closer has resurrected his career with the rival Red Sox, and he signed a $13.3 million extension in September for the 2026 season.
Chapman pitched parts of seven seasons with the Yankees, who initially acquired him from the Reds ahead of the 2016 season before dealing him to the Cubs for Chicago’s run to a World Series title. The Yankees then brought Chapman back, signing him to a five-year, $86 million deal.
Chapman’s time with the Yankees was largely a success until his final season with the team in 2022. Chapman was erratic on the mound, missed a month of the season due to an infection stemming from a leg tattoo and lost his closer’s role.
There was a possibility he was going to be left off the postseason roster when he skipped a workout before the playoffs.
Chapman was in Miami when he was supposed to be throwing batting practice in The Bronx, and the Yankees kept him off the postseason roster.
“I dealt with a lot of disrespect there. I put up with a lot of things,” Chapman said. “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.”
Chapman said his issue was not with manager Aaron Boone or any of his teammates, but with the Yankees “bosses.”
“I got along well with all the players, never had a problem with anybody, even the manager. We’re friends and we talk and everything,” Chapman said. “The bosses are the ones who make those decisions.”
Chapman’s career looked to be winding down after stops with the Royals, Rangers and Pirates. However, he is now coming off one of the best seasons in his career.
Chapman had 32 saves and a 1.17 ERA as he helped the Red Sox reach the wild card, where he closed down Game 1 against the Yankees before his former team rallied to win the final two games of the series.
English (US)