By Jordan Long
The New York Yankees are into the offseason after losing the Wild Card game to the Boston Red Sox 6-2. With the loss, New York now has a decision to make about manager Aaron Boone. His contract ran out as soon as the last out was recorded. It is up to the organization to determine if he is worthy of a new contract.
New York hired Boone after they let Joe Girardi go following the 2017 season. New York went 91-71 that year but lost in the American League Championship Series to the Houston Astros. Girardi was in New York for 10 years. New York’s record under Girardi was 910-710 a winning percentage of .562 with 1 World Series title. Boone had large shoes to fill.
The hiring of Boone as manager came as a surprise. He had never been a manager at any level. The Yankees were taking a risk. They were hoping he could help them win another World Series.
In his first two seasons, they won 100 or more games. The playoffs were a disappointment. In 2018, New York was knocked out of the Divisional Series, losing to the Boston Red Sox 3-1. The next year, New York lost in the American Championship Series. In the COVID shortened 2020 year New York fell in the Division Series to the Tampa Bay Rays.
This year New York had expectations. New York went 92-70. They were able to earn a playoff spot as the 2nd Wild Card team since they tied with Boston. Due to tiebreakers, Boston was the home team in the Wild Card game. New York wasn’t able to get the offense going with 6 hits but scored only 2 runs. Boston was able to outscore them 6-2 ending the season.
Boone knows it could have been his last game managing New York. According to mcall.com, Boone said, “All I can say is that I love doing this. I love doing this with this group. I felt incredibly supported from the organization, from ownership and GM and the front office on down. So whatever happens moving forward, I’ll be at peace with it. I walk out of here tonight proud of what a lot of people have done here since I’ve been here. It’s a group that is a shared effort. I love going to battle with all these guys, these players, these coaches, support staff and front office. So we’ll see what happens on that front, but whatever does happen, I am at peace with it. I know that I can hold my head high.”
New York is most likely going to take time to make a decision on Boone. His record is 328-218, a winning percentage of .601, speaks that he should be the manager moving forward. New York hasn’t missed the postseason with him as Manager.
The Yankees aren’t like most MLB franchises. Lots of teams would find this record successful, not New York. In New York, a manager is judged on if they win a World Series. New York hasn’t done that with Boone. That could mean Boone won’t earn a new contract. Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman will do what he feels is best for the franchise moving forward.
Leave a Reply