Red Sox' Aroldis Chapman Makes WBC Announcement Amid Trade Rumors

After signing with the Boston Red Sox on a one-year, $10.75 million contract in 2024, former Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has found a career resurgence, pitching to a 1.55 ERA and notching 12 saves early in the season.

Chapman, who has been exploring offers for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, reportedly rejected an offer in March to play in the 2026 World Baseball Classic for the Cuban national team. 

Chapman defected from the Cuban national team in 2009 to pursue a career in the MLB, prompting large controversy. 

On Monday, a surprising update surfaced on Chapman's WBC eligibility.

Former New York Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman pitches for the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.

© Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Chapman reportedly was asked to pitch for Great Britain's national baseball team in 2026, which might seem odd to some people.

Chapman shares British eligibility, however, as his paternal grandfather emigrated from Jamaica to Cuba while Jamaica was still a British colony.

Chapman, who is third among active pitchers with 347 career saves, declined to give a definite yes to Great Britain's program.

“I did not give them 100% certainty about whether I will play,” Chapman told Cuban outlet Swing Completo. 

“Remember that I will be a free agent next season and I don’t know what will happen," Chapman said. "But I told them that I am available to be on the roster and that before giving a definite yes about playing, I need to wait for my next season in free agency to unfold.”

Chapman's future appears to be in flux, and trade rumors involving the resurgent closer have been aflame after the Red Sox' surprising trade of Rafael Devers Sunday. 

Chapman's addition to the British contingent in 2026 would be a huge boost for the squad, which in 2023 included Mariners' No. 5 prospect Harry Ford, and former Dodgers outfielder Trayce Thompson.