The 2025 season began with high expectations for the New York Yankees. However, after a promising start, the team has entered a worrying slump that has raised alarms in the media.
The recent sweep by the Toronto Blue Jays was a breaking point for many, including renowned sportscaster Mike Francesa, who delivered a harsh critique of Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
“I like Boone. I always have. He’s a likeable guy. But he’s got to hold his players more accountable and get them to play with more discipline,”Francesa said on his show, echoing widespread frustration with the team’s performance.
Boone under fire for lack of leadership
Francesa also criticized Boone’s in-game demeanor. “I’d like to see some of the anger he shows toward the umpires directed at his own players when they make dumb baserunning mistakes,” he stated, arguing that the manager’s frustration is misdirected.
The sportscaster was even more blunt in warning that neither Aaron Judge nor Max Fried-the team’s marquee addition this season-will be enough to fix things. “Judge can’t play any better. Fried isn’t going to get better. And I doubt the rest of the roster will suddenly step up over the next 75 games. That’s going to make winning a lot harder than people think.”
Collapse in Toronto
The Yankees lost the AL East lead after being swept in Toronto. While Judge continued to perform at a high level, the rest of the team looked sloppy both offensively and defensively. The bullpen once again faltered in key moments, and the defense committed costly errors.
Key players like Gleyber Torres and Giancarlo Stanton have delivered inconsistent performances, while the pitching staff-already hit by injuries such as Clarke Schmidt’s-has struggled to find stability.
Boone faces mounting criticism
Boone’s behavior on the field has become a major focus of criticism. According to the New York Post, the manager has already been ejected multiple times this season, a sign of growing but unproductive frustration. Instead of channeling that energy toward his players, Boone seems more focused on arguing with umpires.
Analysts and fans alike have also pointed out the lack of response to repeated mistakes, calling for a shift in the team’s mindset.
Will the Yankees respond?
With the All-Star Game and the July 31 trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are in a critical spot. The front office must decide whether to bring in reinforcements or hope that stars like Juan Soto, DJ LeMahieu, and Anthony Rizzo can elevate their play.
The margin for error is shrinking, and as Francesa warned, without a change in attitude and leadership, talent alone won’t be enough to prevent another disappointing season in the Bronx.
Read the full article here
