“If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I’d pack my things and go home.” — Red Sox player Aroldis Chapman criticizes Yankees, says he’d rather “retire” than play for New York

Aroldis Chapman is now tasked with closing out games for the Boston Red Sox.

But, the 37-year-old reliever spent parts of seven seasons pitching for Boston’s top rival in the Yankees. 

In a new interview on the “Swing Completo” podcast, Chapman didn’t mince words when asked about whether or not he’d ever consider a return to The Bronx. 

“No way. Not even dead. If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I’d pack my things and go home,” Chapman said, as transcribed by CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry. “I’ll retire right on the spot if that happens. I’m not crazy. Never again.”

Aroldis Chapman is now tasked with closing out games for the Boston Red Sox.

But, the 37-year-old reliever spent parts of seven seasons pitching for Boston’s top rival in the Yankees. 

In a new interview on the “Swing Completo” podcast, Chapman didn’t mince words when asked about whether or not he’d ever consider a return to The Bronx. 

“No way. Not even dead. If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I’d pack my things and go home,” Chapman said, as transcribed by CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry. “I’ll retire right on the spot if that happens. I’m not crazy. Never again.”

During his tenure with New York, Chapman posting 153 saves and 2.95 ERA — striking out 453 batters over 294.1 innings of work. 

But, his time with the Yankees ended on a poor note. During a 2022 season where his ERA ballooned to 4.46, the lefty was left off the team’s playoff roster in the ALDS after he missed a mandatory team workout that drew the ire of manager Aaron Boone. 

He pitched for both the Royals and eventual World-Series champion Rangers in 2023 and spent another year with the Pirates in 2024 before joining the Red Sox on a one-year deal in December 2024. 

Chapman is expected to be a key cog in Boston’s bullpen once again in 2026 after signing a contract extension in late August that includes a guaranteed $13.3 million next season and a vesting option for 2027. 

The southpaw is coming off the best season of his career with the Red Sox in 2025 — sporting a 1.17 ERA to go along with 32 saves, 85 strikeouts and a 0.701 WHIP.