Aaron Judge is one of the most influential players within the New York Yankees. How influential? Simply put, team owner Hal Steinbrenner frequently consults with Aaron Judge to assess what is thought in the clubhouse. Therefore, Judge’s opinion was highly valued for the permanence of Aaron Boone as manager.
The noise generated by the New York Yankees defeat in the MLB World Series in 2024, rumbled loudly in the Bronx offices. A managerial change was expected, but the support of captain Aaron Judge helped Boone keep his job.
Aaron Boone was hired to replace Joe Girardi in 2019, making him the 33rd manager in New York Yankees history. In his seven seasons in charge of the Bronx Bombers, he has reached the playoffs six times, where he has accumulated 603 wins, the seventh most among all managers in the team’s history.
Despite the statistical successes, Boone’s management has not been entirely perfect, especially when he was responsible for a 82-80 record in 2023, the club’s worst season in 30 years
The opinion of the fans is not favorable
However, while there is peace and tranquility within the New York team, there are doubts among the fans ahead of the start of the 2025 season. The memory of Game 1 of the World Series is still fresh with the arrival of Joe Cortez and the debacle in Game 5 when he could not defend a five-run lead.
New York Yankees Spring Training kicks off
New York Yankees will open their spring exhibition games against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday, and Aaron Boone’s decision-making has already been the subject of public complaints. Although several starters are expected to play, the manager told reporters that Aaron Judge and catcher Austin Wells will not make their debut until March 1.
Both players participated in practice and neither is injured. Instead, Boone’s goal is to give them rest after a long postseason and a shortened offseason. Judge played 158 regular season games and 14 postseason games.
The manager wants to avoid dealing with the ghost of injuries, as designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton risks missing Opening Day due to elbow soreness. At this stage, any decision Boone makes will be scrutinized until he can lead the club to a championship.
The New York Yankees have signed Aaron Boone to a two-year contract extension, ensuring he will continue to manage the team through the 2027 season.
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