Aroldis Chapman Says Yankees Bosses Disrespected Him And Boston Loves It

Highlights:

Aroldis Chapman said he would “retire on the spot” before pitching for the New York Yankees again and accused the team’s bosses of disrespect.

His final two Yankees seasons told a different story: command issues in 2021, then a 2022 spiral.

Now he’s 37, closing for the Boston Red Sox with elite numbers and a fresh 2026 deal — and he’s throwing darts at the Bronx from the Fenway mound.

New York Yankees fans may have had some pangs of regret watching Aroldis Chapman dominate for the Boston Red Sox this season. The Cuban closer, however, made it clear he has no regret leaving the Bronx.

He said he’d retire before going back to the New York Yankees in Spanish on the “Swing Completo” podcast.

“Not even dead,” Chapman said. Then he claimed the front office wanted him gone.

“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.”

That plays in Boston and is pours some gasoline on the simmering Boston-New York rivalry.

In New York, however, the story and the ending were messier — and mostly on him.

What actually happened in New York

Chapman’s decline started well before the breakup.

In 2021, he still posted 61 games, 56.1 innings, a 3.36 ERA and 30 saves, but the command wobbled and the walk rate spiked. He lost the zone for stretches and had to be pulled from the closer’s role.

In 2022, it unraveled: 43 games, 36.1 innings, a 4.46 ERA, 9 saves, 43 strikeouts, and 28 walks with a 1.43 WHIP. He missed time in May with an Achilles issue, then landed on the injured list in late August when a new leg tattoo became infected. When the Yankees called a mandatory workout before the Division Series, Chapman didn’t show — and he was left off the postseason roster.

That’s how it ended.

Why Boston’s version of Chapman stings in the Bronx

Boston didn’t just sign the name.

They got the dominance.

Chapman has been back to 100 mph with command, closing games with a microscopic ERA and WHIP, and they locked him in for 2026. That validation gives his words a megaphone. He’s not popping off from obscurity; he’s doing it in a Red Sox uniform.

New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) reacts after allowing a three-run double to Tampa Bay Rays catcher Francisco Mejia (not pictured) during the tenth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports© Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Rivalry back on fire

This is what many fans think the Yankees–Red Sox is supposed to feel like: petty, passionate, and personal.

Chapman’s “never again” lands because fans remember the 105 and the stare. Now it’s the same theater in a different costume, and Fenway will absolutely lean into it the next time he faces the Yankees with a one-run lead.

Yankees fans are also quick to jump on criticism of GM Brian Cashman and the Yankees front office. Chapman fanned the flames there.

“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.”

And he made sure to let fans know that the problem was well above the clubhouse level.

Chapman said his issue was not with manager Aaron Boone nor 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.”

But, Yankees fans also remember the smile on the mound when he gave up the season-ending home run to Jose Altuve, however.

It was not the right fit in the end.

What it means for the Yankees

The Yankees are headed into 2026 with Gerrit Cole rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and Aaron Boone already signaling a delayed start. Carlos Rodon is coming off elbow work; Clarke Schmidt had an internal brace procedure. That puts pressure on Brian Cashman to build a deeper bullpen and sell late-inning roles to veterans who have options. Chapman just handed agents a sound bite: Boston pays and believes; New York rides you, then moves on.

Fair or not, that pitch will show up in rooms this winter.

The heat goes on

Chapman can say he was disrespected. The Yankees can point to 2021 command meltdowns, a 2022 tattoo IL stint, and a missed playoff workout.

Both can be true.

What’s undeniable is that Boston controls paid him, they trust him, and now he’s the one pouring gas on the rivalry from the other dugout. That’s going to echo every time the Yankees and the Red Sox clash.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Aroldis Chapman Says Yankees Bosses Disrespected Him And Boston Loves It

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