Revealing IG comment might prove why Yankees' Aroldis Chapman couldn't handle Red Sox

Former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman officially has a locker at Fenway Park, where he'll be rocking No. 44 and slinging 102 MPH fastballs (but usually 100 or 97...) with impunity, aimed directly at his opponents' wrists, backs, or shoetops next season.

During his Yankees tenure, Chapman was (pardon my French) unmitigated ass against the Red Sox, specifically on the road. You may remember his Rafael Devers oppo homer less than fondly, but he was far superior in the Bronx, sporting a 5.71 ERA in 18 games at Fenway and securing only six saves. That is very hard to do for a closer.

But perhaps ... there was something psychological at play beyond the intensity of the right-on-top-of-you Red Sox fans that caused Chapman to struggle? Maybe he was in his own head about rocking the wrong uniform all along?

According to Salvador Pérez's Instagram comment on Chapman's announcement post that he was coming to Boston, the left-hander's "dream came true," as he'll now get to "play with [his] favorite team". Just ... dynamite.

Aroldis Chapman's "favorite team" is the Boston Red Sox, which makes sense, considering how often he contributed to their wins with the Yankees

Chapman was passable last season, posting a middling 3.79 ERA with the Pirates, but racking up a ridiculous 98 Ks in 61 2/3 innings. Of course, he still hasn't shaken off his walk bugaboo, posting a WHIP of 1.346. That's a regression from 2023 (1.251), but a step up from his ghastly last season in the Bronx (1.431, in addition to one bad tattoo and one playoff roster tantrum).

Good riddance on every level possible to Chapman. The only way our delight at seeing him become Boston's problem could be muddied is if we find out he's been pining for the Red Sox all along and saving up something extra special in his left arm for one last All-Star gasp.

If Sox pitching coach Andrew Bailey can alter his command in any way, then he truly must be a God among men. We didn't think it was possible, but who knows? Maybe the healing power of joining his very favorite team, the Boston Red Sox (shudder), will come back to bite the Yankees, as per usual.