The feud between "Cuban Missile" Chapman and the Yankees continues; Boone says no apology is needed.

The 38-year-old "Cuban Missile" closer Aroldis Chapman recently declared that should he have an opportunity to rejoin the New York Yankees, GM Brian Cashman would need to apologize to him first. In response, Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed the matter for the first time, asserting that neither he nor the organization owes Chapman any apology.

Chapman told ESPN Deportes that if the Yankees are truly interested in trading for him to bring him back to the Bronx, he expects Cashman to apologize for the events of 2022.

The rift between the two sides stems from the 2022 season, when Chapman struggled with Achilles tendinitis and a leg infection from a tattoo, leading to a sharp decline in performance. He lost his closer role to Clay Holmes and posted a career-worst 4.46 ERA. Just before the playoffs, Chapman missed a mandatory Yankees training session and was left off the ALDS roster. Chapman insists he had permission to go to Miami, but Cashman publicly accused him of violating team rules, causing the relationship to break down.

In response to Chapman's comments, Boone stated today before the Yankees-Blue Jays series that he and the team do not owe Chapman any apology.

"At the end of the day, he simply didn't show up for the training session," Boone said. He added, "I made that decision after weighing many factors, and I believed leaving him off the roster was the best choice for the team at that time."

Boone also mentioned that although Chapman felt he could still contribute in the postseason after maintaining his training, the final call rested with the coaching staff. "He always thought he was staying ready and could have pitched in the playoffs, but ultimately, I made that decision."

"As far as I'm concerned, that chapter is closed. I like Chapman and we still have a good relationship. But what happened at the end of the 2022 season is what it is." Notably, when a reporter directly asked whether Chapman deserved an apology, Boone unhesitatingly replied, "No."

Nevertheless, Boone emphasized that he holds no grudge against Chapman. "Chapman has already apologized to the team, so for me, it's water under the bridge." Boone also noted that even years later, he has no regrets about his decision. "I made that call after considering many factors, and I believe it was the right move for the team at that time."

Despite being 38 years old, Chapman has shown dominant form this year. So far, he has pitched 19.2 innings, allowing just one run, striking out 26, converting all 13 save opportunities, and posting a 0.46 ERA. Looking at his entire tenure with the Red Sox over 87 appearances, Chapman has compiled a 1.00 ERA, 45 saves, and 111 strikeouts, remaining one of MLB's most formidable relief pitchers.