BOSTON
In recent weeks, the Yankees and Red Sox seem poised to meet in the wild card round in just a couple of weeks. If that happens, the Yankees will have to contend with Aroldis Chapman, who, remarkably, is having the best season of his career at 37.
From July 23 until Wednesday, Chapman has made 17 appearances without allowing a single hit or run. This included a crucial insurance performance during a 5-3 victory for the Yankees at Fenway Park last Saturday.
It’s hard to reconcile this version of Chapman with the one who struggled toward the end of his time in the Bronx. He lost his closer position to Clay Holmes and was even left off the postseason roster after not attending a mandatory team workout, choosing instead to stay at his home in Miami.
This misstep came after a season where he battled an Achilles injury and was sidelined again by a leg infection, which he got from a tattoo.
In 2023, Chapman signed with the Royals, then went on to win the World Series with Texas after a midseason trade. Now, he’s experiencing a remarkable resurgence in Boston.
Despite a rocky history with the Yankees, Chapman insists he views an upcoming postseason matchup against them like any other game.
“I’m not thinking about that,” he mentioned through an interpreter. “I try to focus on my work just like they do.”
Interestingly, he expressed no resentment about being excluded from the ALDS roster against Cleveland.
“I get why they made that decision,” he reflected. “I wasn’t having a great season, so I don’t hold any grudges.” But he also pushed back against suggestions that he skipped practice almost three years ago, which led to a fine from general manager Brian Cashman and a spot off Aaron Boone’s playoff roster.
Chapman clarified, “They can have their opinions, but everyone knew the day I was gone and when I returned.” He confirmed he plans to be back in New York on Saturday.
“I can’t turn back time,” he said. “They understood I was in Miami.” At the time, Boone indicated that Chapman had no valid reasons for missing practice, and while team officials have defended their stance, there’s an ongoing belief that his absence was tied to his diminishing role and performance.
Despite everything, Chapman is still respected by teammates and coaches, both current and former.
It’s fairly remarkable how Chapman’s revival could be predicted after the offseason split. He currently boasts a 0.669 WHIP, the best in the majors among qualified pitchers and the lowest of his career, which could very well lead him to borderline Hall of Fame status.
Recently, he achieved a stunning seven-week streak without allowing a hit over 17 appearances, though he did take a loss on Wednesday.
As Chapman puts it, “I’m happy with what I’ve achieved. I don’t think too much about it. I just stay focused on what I can control, and my efforts are paying off.”
