Aroldis Chapman Draws Line in the Sand: "No Return to New York"
Posted October 28, 2025
In an era where athlete-team relationships are often marked by high drama and public tensions, Aroldis Chapman’s recent comments have added yet another chapter to the story of his complicated history with the New York Yankees. The flame-throwing left-hander has made it crystal clear: if a trade to New York were to happen, he would immediately walk away from the game altogether.
Chapman, one of the most dominant closers in MLB history, spoke out recently regarding the possibility of a return to the Yankees, a team with which his relationship has been marred by controversies, underperformance, and personal clashes. The veteran reliever was blunt in his response, declaring, “There’s no way I’m going back to New York. If I get traded there, I’ll pack my bags and retire on the spot. I’ve been disrespected too much over there.”
This firm statement comes as no surprise to those familiar with Chapman’s tumultuous tenure with the Yankees. While Chapman was an integral part of their bullpen for several seasons, his time in New York was far from smooth sailing. From inconsistent performances in crucial moments to off-field drama, including a suspension for a domestic violence incident in 2016, Chapman’s Yankees legacy is complex at best.
But it’s not just the team that Chapman is taking issue with; it’s the city and the fanbase that have never truly embraced him. The New York faithful, known for their passionate and sometimes unforgiving nature, have been quick to express their displeasure when Chapman falters, especially in high-stakes moments. It’s this perceived lack of support that seems to have led Chapman to the brink of a personal breaking point.
For many, Chapman’s words are seen as a direct response to the constant scrutiny he faced during his time with the Yankees. Despite being one of the league’s top closers for much of his career, his inability to perform in certain high-leverage situations—most notably the 2019 ALCS—has haunted him. The sting of that loss, where Chapman gave up a game-tying home run to José Altuve, still lingers for many fans, but for Chapman, it appears to be the tipping point in a relationship that had long been on thin ice.
Now, at 35 years old, with his best years behind him, Chapman is approaching the tail end of his career. He’s bounced between teams, and his days as an elite closer appear to be numbered. The possibility of a return to the Yankees, even as a rental player, would be a bitter pill to swallow for Chapman, who feels he has already given all he can to the team and its fans.
Chapman’s sentiment is not just a reflection of his personal history with the Yankees; it’s also a warning to other teams in need of bullpen help. The former All-Star clearly has no interest in the New York spotlight, one he feels has treated him unfairly. This could limit his potential suitors should he decide to leave his current team, the Kansas City Royals, where he has served as a reliable arm out of the bullpen in recent seasons.
Whether or not Chapman’s firm stance will prevent a potential deal with the Yankees is uncertain. But what is clear is that the animosity between the closer and one of baseball’s most iconic teams is far from over. Chapman’s career, which once seemed destined to end in New York, may instead conclude elsewhere as he moves forward from a bitter past that has left lasting scars.
For the Yankees, Chapman’s refusal to return means they will have to look elsewhere for bullpen reinforcements in the offseason. For Chapman, it may be the end of any potential reunion with the team that once held so much promise but ultimately left him feeling burned.
As the 2025 offseason unfolds, this saga will undoubtedly continue to make headlines. Will Chapman find a new home where he can finish his career on his terms, or will the looming shadow of his New York experience follow him into his final seasons? Only time will tell.
Stroud’s Path Clears as Broncos Secondary Takes a Hit
Coming off what Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans called “one of his best games,” C.J. Stroud received good news to start Week 9.
Injuries are unfortunate, and the Texans are no stranger to enduring their own losses. Still, the recent news coming from the Denver Broncos before their visit to face Stroud and the Texans bodes well for the third-year QB.
Stroud must still take advantage of the situation.
Broncos’ Loss Good News for C.J. Stroud, Texans
Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II – an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, and the reigning Defensive Player of the Year – will miss facing Stroud and the Texans due to a pectoral strain incurred in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.
The exact severity of the injury is unclear, though he could land on injured reserve, and Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported Surtain is “expected to miss 4–6 weeks.”
Week 9 is all that matters for Stroud and the Texans.
Stroud threw for a season-high 319 yards with 2 touchdowns and 1 interception on 76.9% completion against the 49ers in Week 8. He has a 1,623-11-5 line on 66.8% completion this season, and his job in Week 9 presumably got much easier.
The Broncos are 6-2, have won five straight games, and boast the NFL’s top pass rush with 36 sacks and are fifth in scoring.
C.J. Stroud Will Have Opportunities Against Broncos Secondary
Stroud made a point to cite spreading the ball around and getting it out of his hands as keys to his success against the San Francisco 49ers. On paper, the Broncos present a rather intimidating challenge.
They are allowing a league-low 56.8% completion in pass coverage.
Broncos cornerback Riley Moss is the most targeted defender in the league, and he has the lowest completion percentage allowed of any defender targeted at least 40 times in coverage at 45.3%, per Pro Football Focus.
However, nickelback Ja’Quan McMillian (69% on 20 targets) and second-year fifth-round selection Kris Abrams-Draine (100% on five targets) could prove vulnerable.
The Broncos do have Jahdae Barron, the 20th overall selection in the 2025 draft.
He has allowed six receptions on 12 targets this season and recorded his first career interception in Week 8 against the Cowboys. If Barron draws the start or plays more than Abrams-Draine, Stroud and the Texans could still have options elsewhere against the Broncos.
Moreover, Stroud and the Texans could do more than benefit from a subtraction by the Broncos.
Nico Collins ‘Trending Toward Return’ vs Broncos
Stroud was without his top two wide receivers against the 49ers, with Christian Kirk sidelined with a hamstring injury and Nico Collins in concussion protocol.
Ryans offered little in his day-after media availability.
However, there was encouraging news, with KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reporting in a post on X on October 27 – after Ryans’ comments – that, “Collins, per source, is doing well and trending toward return at this point.”
That Stroud performed as he did without Collins should bode well for the Texans when the 2024 Pro Bowler returns to the field.
If that is Week 9, it is even more encouraging for Stroud and the Texans than Surtain’s absence.
