Chapman would retire before playing for Yankees again: 'I'm not crazy'

Boston Red Sox left-hander Aroldis Chapman would rather retire than suit up for the New York Yankees again.

"No way," Chapman said on the "Swing Completo" podcast, according to a translation by MassLive's Lauren Campbell. "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 spent seven seasons with the Yankees, appearing in 315 games. He said he "dealt with a lot of disrespect" during his tenure in the Bronx but clarified that he didn't have an issue with his teammates or manager Aaron Boone.

"I put up with a lot of things," he added. "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's time with the Yankees didn't end well. He was left off the American League Division Series roster in 2022 after failing to attend a mandatory workout. The incident followed a rough campaign, which included him losing the closer's role.

"There's been questions about whether (Chapman) is all-in or not," Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said at the time.

Chapman has pitched for four teams since departing the Yankees. He spent 2025 with the Red Sox, authoring a 1.17 ERA and 12.5 K/9 in 61 1/3 innings.