It Could Be Do Or Die For Aaron Boone

Since being hired in 2018, Aaron Boone has guided the Yankees to five straight postseason appearances and two AL East division titles. However, despite higher aspirations, last season was a nightmare. The Yankees finished in fourth place and missed the postseason for the first time under Boone. Plenty of moves were made this offseason to set this team up better for the 2024 season. However, Aaron Boone only has one guaranteed year remaining on his current contract while the club holds an option for 2025. No extension talks have taken place. This is a do-or-die season for Aaron Boone.

The Yankees Have Had Some Success Under Aaron Boone

Under Aaron Boone, the New York Yankees have had some success. New York won 58% of their games, went to the postseason five times in six years, and captured two AL East titles. However, that success hasn’t carried into the postseason. Boone’s Yankees are just 14-17 in October and haven’t made a World Series appearance. During this span, they’ve been eliminated by the universally hated Houston Astros twice in the ALCS. It has been 14 years since the Bronx Bombers last won the World Series.

The Nightmare That Was The 2023 Season

Despite bringing back Aaron Judge and adding top free agent pitcher Carlos Rodon, the 2023 season was a disaster. Due to a rash of key injuries, off-the-field distractions, and underperformance; New York finished in fourth place and missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. New York even fired hitting coach Dillon Lawson in the middle of the season. This was something that the team had never done before since Brian Cashman had been the GM. Overall, nobody inside the organization could be cleared of any wrongdoing for the lost season.  

Aaron Boone Is In The Final Guaranteed Year Of His Contract

Manager Aaron Boone heads into the season with one year remaining on his contract. While his current agreement contains a club option for 2025, the Yankees could decline it without owing him any money. While it hasn’t been said publicly, Boone is managing for his job this year. The success that Aaron Boone has had would work in just about any other market. However, New York isn’t like anywhere else. Winning the World Series is always the expectation. The Yankees have had yet to do that since Boone has been their manager. If the Yankees fail to have more success, then Boone might not return to the dugout after this coming season.

Additions Were Made To The Roster

This offseason, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wasted no time in trying to improve the roster. New York’s first big move was making a rare trade with the Red Sox for Alex Verdugo. Cashman would later make the first big splash of the offseason by acquiring superstar Juan Soto from the Padres. In early January, New York bolstered their rotation by signing free agent Marcus Stroman. Recently, Brian Cashman made a trade with the Dodgers for reliable left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson. It is up to Boone to get the most out of all the talent he has for this upcoming season.

The Writing Is On The Wall

While last season’s disaster wasn’t all Aaron Boone’s fault, he is ultimately one of the main people held responsible for it. In recent years, the Yankees haven’t had the success they are accustomed to. It has been 14 years since the Yankees last hoisted a World Series trophy and the fans are hungry for another one. After this season, the team doesn’t owe Boone any more money. The writing is on the wall for Boone, if he doesn’t win big this season, then the Yankees could be in the market for another manager.

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