Aroldis Chapman’s Trade Prospects and the Apology Standoff Ahead of the August Deadline

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, a left-hander on a one-year, $13.3 million contract, is a trade candidate as the deadline approaches. Rumors link him to a return to New York, but Chapman says any trade to New York would require an apology from GM Brian Cashman for the 2022 incident. He logged 146 saves and three All-Star selections. In 2022 he posted a 4.46 ERA, lost the closer role to Clay Holmes and was omitted from the postseason roster after missing a mandatory practice before the AL Division Series; he says he had permission to travel to Miami, while Cashman called the absence insubordination.

Chapman: If Yankees want to trade for me, their GM should a…ESPNThe Sporting NewsBleacher ReportAroldis Chapman says one thing has to happen before approving trade back to Yankees

He has 380 saves, eight All-Star appearances and two World Series rings. This season, he has allowed one run in 19 2/3 innings, struck out 26 batters and converted all 13 save opportunities, posting a sub-1.00 ERA. He is under a one-year, $13.3 million contract with a 2027 option for $13 million if he pitches 40 innings in 2026 and passes a postseason physical; some reports call the option mutual.

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Chapman says he has no control over his trade, that a move to New York would require a discussion, and that an apology from Cashman is a prerequisite for a return. The Yankees, Cashman’s remarks, called Chapman’s missed practice insubordination, Boston’s front office is willing to trade but has not confirmed a destination.

The Sporting NewsChapman: If Yankees want to trade for me, their GM should a…Bleacher ReportESPNAroldis Chapman says one thing has to happen before approving trade back to Yankees

The Boston-New York rivalry and Chapman’s demand for an apology make a Red Sox-Yankees trade unlikely. Yankees’ need for bullpen help is tempered by the barrier of reconciling past grievances, lowering the chance of a reunion.

Aroldis Chapman says one thing has to happen before approving trade back to Yankees

Sources report Chapman’s current ERA as either 0.46 or 1.00, creating a discrepancy. Contract details also vary: some describe the 2027 option as a unilateral $13 million clause, others as a mutual option. Cashman has not publicly addressed the apology request.

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• “What happened, happened,” Chapman said. “If something like this were to happen, I believe someone from this organization should apologize first.” — Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox closer

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• “yes.” — Aroldis Chapman, when asked if Brian Cashman was the person he wanted to apologize.

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• “Every day you see social media and also people in the press talking and commenting about it,” — Aroldis Chapman, ESPN Deportes interview

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• “I'm in a position right now where I'm under contract and I don't have any control over my contract,” — Aroldis Chapman, ESPN Deportes interview

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As the Aug. 3 deadline approaches, Boston is expected to field trade offers for Chapman to aid its rebuild. The Yankees remain interested in bullpen help but have not signaled willingness to meet the apology condition. Outcome hinges on resolving the apology demand and clarifying Chapman’s performance metrics.

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