KANSAS CITY — On the primary day New York Yankees supervisor Aaron Boone spoke with reporters on the staff’s spring coaching complicated in Florida in February, he mentioned the staff was hellbent on successful a championship this 12 months. This assertion got here a little bit greater than 4 months after a disastrous 2023 season by which the staff’s 82-80 report was their worst since 1992.
There’s been a lot hypothesis on what one other season with out a championship or a deep postseason run may imply for Boone’s future because the membership’s supervisor. The Yankees have an choice on Boone for 2025 and haven't indicated whether or not they may train it. Doing so with out a contract extension may make Boone a lame-duck supervisor heading into subsequent season, however normal supervisor Brian Cashman advised a small group of reporters at Kauffman Stadium that he thought Boone has completed a “great job” this season.
“We’re certainly happy to have him as our manager, as you all know that,” Cashman mentioned. “I got nothing more to add other than let’s try to find a way to beat Kansas City.”
When straight requested if the end result of the American League Division Series impacted what the Yankees would resolve with Boone’s future, Cashman mentioned it was vital for the complete membership to advance within the postseason as a result of their final objective is to win a world championship. He stopped in need of indicating the end result, optimistic or damaging, would dictate one of many membership’s largest selections this offseason.
“When the winter starts, the winter starts and we’ll deal with the winter when we need to deal with it,” Cashman mentioned. “Hopefully, it’s a lot later than another week.”
Boone’s profession .584 successful proportion is the second-highest amongst all energetic MLB managers; solely Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers has a better successful proportion at .627. Boone has gained three AL East titles in seven seasons as Yankees supervisor, whereas his predecessor, Joe Girardi, additionally gained three AL East titles, however in 10 seasons.
The largest distinction between Girardi’s and Boone’s resumes is, after all, the 2009 World Series title gained by the previous. Boone does have the help of key figures contained in the clubhouse, particularly Yankees captain Aaron Judge. Embattled left fielder Alex Verdugo, the hero for the Yankees’ Game 1 win over the Kansas City Royals, talked about how Boone’s help helped give him confidence heading into the postseason.
“If you really want to have a real conversation with him, he’ll do that for you,” Verdugo mentioned of Boone. “If you have anything you want to address or, you know, stop beating around the bush and just go straight to the source, he will always have that conversation with you, to talk to you and let you know what’s going on behind those decisions.”
The Yankees gained’t resolve on Boone’s future till the season is full, however not less than publicly, he has the backing from a number of events.
“Great job — the best record in the American League, won the American League East and now we’re trying to win in the postseason,” Cashman mentioned of what he considered Boone’s 12 months. “We’re trying to find a way all the way to the top.”
(Photo of Aaron Boone earlier than Game 3 of the 2024 ALDS: Ed Zurga / Getty Images)
