Aroldis Chapman: From Yankees Exile to Potential Playoff Collision with Red Sox
A potential playoff matchup between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox is brewing, setting the stage for a possible confrontation with former Yankee closer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman, enjoying a resurgent season at 37, could become a key factor in a Red Sox attempt to dethrone the Yankees.
Chapman's Rocky Exit from the Bronx
It's remarkable to consider Chapman's current success after his tumultuous departure from the Yankees. He struggled near the end of his time in The Bronx, losing his closer's role to Clay Holmes and being left off the postseason roster after missing a mandatory team workout prior to the ALDS. The reason given was that he was at his home in Miami. This came after a season plagued by an Achilles injury and a leg infection stemming from a tattoo.
Following his exit, he signed with the Kansas City Royals in 2023 and later won a World Series with the Texas Rangers after a midseason trade, before his surprising revitalization with the Red Sox this year. Despite the circumstances of his departure, Chapman insists he doesn't view a potential playoff matchup against the Yankees any differently.
Chapman's Perspective on the Yankees
“I don’t think about it,’’ Chapman said. “I just play. I try to do my job and they try to do their job.” He even stated that he understands the decision to leave him off the ALDS roster against Cleveland, saying, "I understand why they made the decision. I wasn’t having a great season, so there’s no hard feelings for how things happened.” He also disputes that he intentionally skipped the practice, claiming they knew when he would be in Miami. "They said I missed practice, but they knew the time I was gonna be away.” Boone, at the time, said Chapman did not have an “acceptable excuse” for missing the workout.
Velocity Concerns and Pitching Adjustments
Recent observations have noted a slight dip in Aroldis Chapman's fastball velocity. In September, his sinker averaged 97.6 mph, down from 98.8 mph in August and 100.4 mph in April. Similarly, his four-seam fastball has decreased to 96.9 mph. Manager Alex Cora attributed this to the long season. Pitching coach Andrew Bailey addressed this as a normal “ebb and flow”. This has coincided with an increase in slider usage. His slider usage has spiked to 40 percent in October. Ali Sánchez, who has recently been behind the plate for Chapman, suggested this was a conscious decision because of the slightly reduced velocity.
Red Sox Rotation and Team Updates
The Red Sox are currently evaluating their rotation options for the upcoming week. They could stick with the starting five, which includes Connelly Early and Payton Tolle, or adjust to maximize starts from their stronger arms like Lucas Giolito, Brayan Bello, and Garrett Crochet. In other news, Wilyer Abreu ran the bases Sunday. Cora described it as “another big step.” Abreu is expected back from his strained right calf sometime this week.
Chapman's Resurgence and Playoff Outlook
Despite the recent velocity concerns, Chapman's overall performance this season has been exceptional, with a 1.28 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP. His 0.669 WHIP is the best in the majors among qualified relievers, as well as the lowest of his career. He recently had a seven-week run without allowing a hit over 17 straight appearances. The Red Sox appear confident in his abilities, with Bailey stating he's "Not super concerned about it long-term." If the Yankees and Red Sox meet in the playoffs, Chapman's performance will undoubtedly be a focal point.