Yankees Do Not Owe 8x All-Star Aroldis Chapman an Apology Over 2022 Drama, Says Aaron Boone

Aroldis Chapman claimed that Brian Cashman would have to apologize to him if he were to ever return to New York Yankees following the 2022 drama.

Yankees Do Not Owe 8x All-Star Aroldis Chapman an Apology Over 2022 Drama, Says Aaron Boone

Aaron Boone and Aroldis Chapman (Image via Imago/X/@TalkinBaseball_)

On Friday, the New York Yankees made their stance clear regarding Aroldis Chapman. Manager Aaron Boone claimed that the Bronx Bombers did not owe an apology to the 8-time MLB All-Star over his ugly exit in 2022.

This past week, Chapman took part in an interview with ESPN Deportes. During this, the Boston Red Sox star spoke about his name being in trade talks. In the midst of this, he expressed that he would need an apology from the Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman if he were to ever return to New York.

What happened, happened. If something like this were to happen, I believe someone from this organization should apologize first.

Aroldis Chapman said

When asked if this someone was Cashman, the relief pitcher said “yes.“

The beef between Chapman and the Yankees became in 2022. The player lost his closing pitcher position to Clay Holmes and was mostly ineffective. He had a 4.46 ERA that season.

In August, Chapman found himself on the injured list after he developed an infection. This came after he developed a tattoo on his leg.

He would then miss a mandatory team workout session before the 2022 American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Cleveland Guardians. He was thus omitted from the team’s playoff roster.

Chapman claimed that he had permission for time off and thus stayed in Miami. Meanwhile, GM Cashman accused him of insubordination.

Following stints with the Kansas City Royals, the Texas Rangers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates, the pitcher returned to the AL East by signing with the Red Sox in December 2024.

With his $13 million contract set to expire later this season and his team being at the bottom of the standings, rumors of him being traded have come up.

Though the Yankees could use an upgrade in their bullpen with Chapman back at his best, things are not well between him and Cashman. As he demanded an apology on Thursday, Aaron Boone expressed on Friday that the team did not owe him that.

No.

Aaron Boone told the reporters whether the Yankees owed Aroldis Chapman an apology

Boone, though, claimed that he has a good relationship with him and that the water was under the bridge.

Chappy (Aroldis Chapman) apologized. Really, it’s water under the bridge for me. I love Chappy. I have a really good relationship with him to this day. The ending of the ’22 season is what it was. He wasn’t there, and I made the decision that I didn’t think it was best for him to come back at that point.

Aaron Boone added

At the moment, Chapman has given up just 1 run this season. In 20 games, the pitcher has a 0.46 ERA and has converted all 13 save opportunities. Despite his strong showing from the mound, the Red Sox have struggled and have a 28-39 record.

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Aroldis Chapman previously claimed that he would rather “retire” than go back to Yankees

Aroldis Chapman has not forgiven Brian Cashman over the 2022 incident. While he claimed this week that it would require an apology from him to consider returning, last year, he had some strong views. He mentioned that he would rather “retire” than go back to the New York Yankees.

Aroldis Chapman
Aroldis Chapman with the Yankees (Image via New York Post)

Chapman previously had two stints with the New York-based side. In December 2015, they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds in a trade. Later in the 2016 season, he was traded to the Chicago Cubs.

The pitcher went on to achieve World Series glory as the Cubs came back from 3-1 to win the Fall Classic 4-3 against the Indians. In December 2016, he returned to the Yankees on a 5-year deal.

While he did have some strong performances with them, the way things ended in 2022 has left a sour taste in his mouth. In an appearance at the “Swing Completo” podcast last year, the 38-year-old revealed he would consider retirement over going back and playing for the Yankees.

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.

Aroldis Chapman said in Spanish

In his stay with the team from 2016 to 2022, Chapman earned 3 All-Star nominations and made 146 saves. Despite giving the series-ending walk-off home run to Jose Altuve in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS), he was named the best reliever in the American League and won the Mariano Rivera AL Reliever of the Year Award.

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