AROLDIS CHAPMAN DEMANDS CASHMAN APOLOGY OVER YANKEES EXIT

Aroldis Chapman has demanded a public apology from New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman should trade rumours linking the Boston Red Sox closer to a potential reunion materialise. Chapman told ESPN that if such a move were to occur, someone from the Yankees organisation should apologise first. The demand stems from Chapman's departure from the Yankees in 2022, which he characterises as unresolved. Chapman played for the Yankees from 2016 to 2022 across six-plus seasons as their closer.

During his tenure with the Yankees, Chapman compiled a 2.93 earned run average, recorded 153 saves and posted a 24-14 record. He earned All-Star selection three consecutive times whilst with the club. However, his final season in 2022 proved difficult, as Chapman posted a 4.46 ERA and a 4-4 record whilst managing health issues including a leg infection from a tattoo. He lost the closer role to Clay Holmes, who subsequently departed as a free agent and signed with the New York Mets on a three-year, £38 million deal.

The circumstances of Chapman's exit worsened when Cashman excluded him from the playoff roster after he missed a mandatory team practice at Yankee Stadium. Chapman remains unhappy about how his time with the Yankees concluded. Any prospective trade for Chapman would require addressing the outstanding grievance between the pitcher and the organisation's front office.