The Yankees fans have shown their discontent with the lack of reinforcements for this season on several occasions, however, in New York they trust their strategy and Aaron Boone is confident and determined to face 2026.
The manager maintains a firm stance and assures that his team has real arguments to compete, even against giants such as the Dodgers. His confidence stems from continuity, the return of key figures and specific adjustments that could make the difference in October.
Aaron Boone is confident of being able to face the Dodgers this season
In the Bronx, they opted for continuity. The signing of Cody Bellinger for five years and $162.5 million was the most striking move of the offseason, but for many fans it is insufficient in an American League East that was aggressively strengthened.
Aaron Boone, however, does not share that view. In an interview with Michael Kay, the manager was direct in his response to the criticism:
I think we’re better for the people we add. We have a long way to go to prove that we are a team of that caliber
The numbers don’t lie, and projections such as FanGraphs ZiPS have New York at 87 wins, far short of the 94 they achieved in 2025 and behind Toronto, Boston and Baltimore. Still, Boone insists that internal growth and the return of key pieces can change that outlook.
Bellinger’s weight and important returns
Beyond Bellinger, Brian Cashman has stressed the value of “internal reinforcements.” The return of injured players such as Gerrit Cole is seen within the club as a real improvement to the roster. This is in addition to contributions that came in the second half of last season, such as David Bednar and Camilo Doval, who strengthened the pitching in high-pressure situations.
Boone responds to Brian Cashman controversy
One of the most sensitive issues of the winter was Derek Jeter‘s suggestion of Cashman’s alleged direct influence on Boone’s in-game decisions. The manager was blunt about it on WFAN: “It’s not true“.
Cash is not involved in the details of baseball. Cash is the best at hiring, delegating and supervising that I have ever known. He’s not in the day-to-day trenches. He’s not that kind of person
The holes in the New York Yankees
Beyond Aaron Boone‘s statements, if there is one clear area for improvement, it is behind the plate. At least that’s what the numbers indicate: The Yankees’ catching group had a combined OPS of .697 in 2025, low production for a title contender. In addition, they all bat left-handed, leaving the team exposed to left-handed pitchers.
Mitch Garver emerges as a possible solution. A right-handed hitter with a career OPS of .832 and proven power, Garver would fill a specific need without breaking the continuity idea. His arrival would balance the lineup and address a data-backed problem.
With the start of the season approaching, Aaron Boone is confident that correcting execution errors in the postseason is the final step to turning this team into a real championship contender
Read the full article here
