Chapman says he would retire if traded to the Yankees

Aroldis Chapman said he would rather retire than return to the New York Yankees, declaring on the Spanish‑language Swing Completo podcast this week that a reunion with his former team is out of the question. The Boston Red Sox closer made the remarks as he continues a sharp on‑field rebound that helped secure his place in Boston and appears to close the door on any future with the Yankees.

"No way. Not even dead," Chapman said, according to a translated transcript of the interview. "If I were told that I was being traded to New York, I would pack my things and go home. I will retire right on the spot if that happens. I am not crazy. Never again." He added that, while he had good relationships with teammates and some managers, he felt he had been treated with "a lot of disrespect" by the team's front office and believed the organization wanted to move on from him.

Chapman spent parts of seven seasons with the Yankees between 2016 and 2022, earning three All Star selections in pinstripes and serving as one of the game’s most dominant relievers for a time. The relationship deteriorated near the end of his New York tenure. In 2022 he posted a 4.46 ERA, walked 28 batters in 36 1/3...