Here we go again. The New York Yankees are heading home empty-handed, a script that has become all too familiar under Aaron Boone’s leadership. Will the franchise finally break free from this cycle of postseason disappointment? Let’s dive in.
The Yankees’ 2025 season ended exactly as it always does in the Boone era: with a playoff exit. Since taking over as manager in December 2017, Boone has mastered the art of regular-season success, only to falter when it matters most. But why should this year be any different? The latest heartbreak came in the ALDS against the Toronto Blue Jays, where the Yankees lost Game 4, 5-2, sealing their fate. The turning point? A seventh-inning error by Jazz Chisholm Jr., allowing Andrés Giménez to reach base, followed by Nathan Lukes’ two-run single that broke the game wide open.
But here’s where it gets controversial... The Yankees’ struggles weren’t just about one mistake. They were outscored 34-19, outhit 50-34, and their starting pitchers in the first three games posted a combined ERA above 16. Meanwhile, Jays rookie Trey Yesavage—with just seven MLB starts under his belt—no-hit the Yankees through 5 1/3 innings in Game 2, striking out 11. Aaron Judge’s Game 3 heroics (9-for-15 with a home run and six RBIs) kept the series alive, but the rest of the lineup fell flat. Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and others barely made a dent.
And this is the part most people miss... Boone’s postseason decisions have been baffling. From leaving Luis Severino in too long during the 2018 ALDS to questionable bullpen moves in 2019, 2020, and beyond, his choices often seem obvious—in the worst way. Take the 2025 wild-card round, where he pulled Max Fried after 6 1/3 shutout innings, only to bring in Luke Weaver, who promptly gave up the lead. It’s not just that Boone makes mistakes; it’s that they’re often glaringly apparent in the moment.
This raises a bigger question: Is Boone merely following a script handed down by general manager Brian Cashman and the front office? Former players like Clint Frazier have criticized the team’s over-reliance on analytics, suggesting that Boone’s hands are tied. But Boone is the one in the dugout, making the calls. So, who’s really to blame?
Here’s the kicker... Boone was hired to connect with players, a stark contrast to Joe Girardi’s tenure. Yet, while he’s avoided public criticism of his players, he’s also failed to deviate from the front office’s mandates—even when it’s cost the team dearly. The Yankees’ window is closing. Judge, Rodón, Cole, and Stanton are all aging. How much longer can the franchise afford to stick with a manager who delivers regular-season wins but postseason heartbreak?
What do you think? Is it time for the Yankees to part ways with Boone, or does the blame lie elsewhere? Let’s hear it in the comments!
