By Jordan Long
The New York Yankees are 60-61 after being swept by the Atlanta Braves. They are 14 games behind the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the American League East Division and 6.5 games back of the third and final Wild Card spot in the American League. This is the first time since 1995 the Yankees have been under .500 this late in a season. It might be time to send Manager Aaron Boone packing once the season is over.
Boone has been the Yankees’ manager since 2018. The Yankees fired Joe Girardi following a 91-71 record in 2017. Girardi was very successful as the Yankees manager, going 910-710, a winning percentage of .562. New York went to the playoffs 6 times under Girardi even winning the World Series in 2009. They let him go because he didn’t bring multiple World Series titles to New York.
Boone was a surprise hire. He didn’t have any managerial experience. The Yankees were familiar with him since he played for the organization in 2003. New York anticipated Boone would help this team earn a playoff spot and win a World Series.
Heading into this year, Boone has helped them go to the playoffs every year as manager. The farthest they advanced was the American League Championship Series in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, New York was knocked off in 6 games by the Houston Astros. Last year, New York was swept by the Astros, outscored 18 to 9 in the series. The offense was essentially nonexistent for New York.
This year there were high expectations. They have fallen short of them so far. Unless something changes, they will miss the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Changes should be coming to New York, starting with Boone. Boone hasn’t managed this team to a World Series which is New York’s goal every year. This team isn’t living up to the expectations set by the organization.
The only reason to keep Boone is he has one more year left on his contract. New York’s front office might decide to let him manage next year to show this year was a fluke. Of course, if the year starts to go downhill next season, then fire him. Either way though, New York has a decision to make on Boone’s future if they fail to make the postseason.
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