Aroldis Chapman becomes official No. 1 Yankees enemy after Red Sox signing

Who saw this plot twist coming?! The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are currently battling it out for Juan Soto in free agency, but a deal just went down that will blow the minds of both fanbases heading into 2025.

Aroldis Chapman is a member of the Red Sox. And he's officially public enemy No. 1 for the Yankees. Did anyone predict this after it was reported the left-hander would have a lot of suitors in free agency?

Chapman signed a one-year, $10.75 million contract with the Red Sox and it's pending a physical. It's unclear where he'll slot into the bullpen, but he'll be in the back end with Liam Hendriks. Don't forget, former Yankee Justin Wilson is in Boston, too!

The Red Sox are looking to make multiple splashes in free agency. The Soto rumors are ablaze and there's belief Boston would spend beyond that for more pitching. Currently, the roster has a healthy mix of veterans and youngsters, and their farm system is among the best in the sport.

Some might argue the Sox could've done better than Chapman with how promising the relief market is, but they have flexibility with the one-year deal and added some flair to the rivalry by adding the former controversial Yankee.

Yankees News: Aroldis Chapman signs with Boston Red Sox in free agency

Chapman's improved since leaving the Bronx, which is just always how it goes, doesn't it? His velocity has improved, his strikeout numbers have spiked, and he's been more amenable to pitching outside of the closer role.

The left-hander signed with the Royals before the 2023 season, became a highly sought-after trade deadline target, was sent to the Texas Rangers, won a World Series, and then spent all of 2024 with the Pittsburgh Pirates after cashing in on another one-year deal. He struck out 98 batters across 61 2/3 innings and logged a 3.79 ERA, 3.04 FIP and 1.35 WHIP with the Bucs.

He's already pumped to switch sides in the rivalry, which makes it all the more imperative for the Yankees to re-sign Soto so the offense can return in full force to spoil as many Chapman save/high-leverage opportunities as possible.

This one's personal. Yankees fans have wanted Chapman as far away as possible, but this could be the next best thing if they can exploit him in ways so many other teams did while he was in New York.