‘Not Even Dead’: Red Sox Star Would Retire Before Joining Yankees

The Boston Red Sox avoided a potentially significant offseason loss when extending Aroldis Chapman during a resurgent 2025 campaign. Even if he hadn’t fended off free agency, there’s no way the veteran closer would have re-joined their biggest rival.

Chapman spent six and a half seasons of his 16-year career with the New York Yankees from 2016 to 2022. The left-handed reliever apparently doesn’t have fond memories of that tenure.

Chapman recently vowed on the “Swing Completo” podcast that he’ll never play for the Yankees again.

“No way. Not even dead,” Chapman said in Spanish, as translated by NJ.com’s Manny Gómez. “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 elaborated on his perceived poor treatment by the Yankees.

“I dealt with a lot of disrespect there. I put up with a lot of things,” Chapman 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 struggled during his final season with the Yankees, posting a career-worst 4.46 ERA with 28 walks in 36 1/3 innings. He ceded the closer’s role, and the Yankees left him off the American League Division Series roster after he missed a workout.

The flamethrower has since pitched for four different teams in three seasons, and he enjoyed a magnificent rebound with Boston in 2025. Chapman registered a microscopic 1.17 ERA in 61 1/3 innings, issuing just 15 walks to his 85 strikeouts and 32 saves.

The Red Sox rewarded Chapman with a $13.3 million extension for the 2026 season. He’ll turn 38 before Opening Day, but the eight-time All-Star looks like he has plenty left in the tank.