The New York Yankees may need bullpen help before the MLB trade deadline, but a reunion with Aroldis Chapman appears highly unlikely.
Chapman, now pitching for the Boston Red Sox, is having one of the best seasons of his late career. The veteran left-hander has been dominant as a closer and is expected to draw interest if Boston decides to sell before the deadline.
On paper, Chapman might look like the kind of late-inning arm the Yankees could use. New York is expected to explore bullpen upgrades as it tries to strengthen its roster for a postseason run.
However, the history between Chapman and the Yankees makes a reunion difficult to imagine.
Chapman’s final season in New York ended badly in 2022. He struggled on the mound, dealt with a tattoo-related infection and was eventually left off the postseason roster after missing a mandatory team workout.
That ending damaged his relationship with the organization. Chapman has since suggested that Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would need to apologize before he would consider returning to the Bronx.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone pushed back on that idea, saying the team does not owe Chapman an apology. Boone said the decision to leave Chapman off the playoff roster was made in the team’s best interest.
According to reports, Yankees sources have also ruled out serious interest in bringing Chapman back. The team appears to believe that the potential distraction is not worth it, even with Chapman pitching well.
There is also the rivalry factor. Chapman currently plays for the Red Sox, and trades between Boston and New York are always complicated. Even if the Red Sox make him available, the Yankees would likely look elsewhere.
The Yankees still need relief help, but they may prefer a cleaner fit with less history attached. Other bullpen arms could become available as the trade market develops.
Chapman’s performance may help Boston land value from another contender, but a return to the Yankees seems like a long shot.
For New York, the better move may be to chase a different reliever and avoid reopening one of the most uncomfortable chapters from its recent past.
