Aaron Boone‘s continuity as manager of the New York Yankees is once again at the center of controversy after another disappointing elimination in the 2025 MLB playoffs. Although his contract with the organization runs through the 2027 season, the team’s performance and lack of postseason results keep the debate alive over his tenure in the Bronx.
Boone’s project wear
Since taking over in 2018, Boone has guided the Yankees to multiple postseason appearances, but without achieving the ultimate goal: to return to a World Series, something the franchise has not achieved since 2009. Despite the individual talent within the roster – with figures such as Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gerrit Cole – the lack of consistency at key moments has sparked criticism from fans and analysts.
The recent playoff stumbles have revived doubts about his ability to handle pressure and maximize the potential of a roster that, on paper, should be competing for titles year after year.
Shelley Duncan, the name that sounds like a replacement
According to Adam Weinrib of Yanks Go Yard, the Yankees could have Boone’s successor within their own organization in Shelley Duncan, the current manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Triple-A team.Duncan, who played for the Yankees between 2007 and 2009, is the son of Dave Duncan, the legendary St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach and right-hand man to Tony La Russa for years. His knowledge of the system and his disciplined profile make him an interesting option if Boone’s position were to become vacant.
“If the job opens up, the Yankees should look at Duncan’s accomplishments,” Weinrib said. “His MLB career may not have been as long as Boone’s, but his time in New York was more distinguished”.
An uncertain future in the Bronx
For now, Boone remains in charge, but the margin for error is minimal. The Yankees’ core is aging, and the window to compete for a title could close soon. In this context, management will have to assess whether the current manager is the right person to lead the team back to the top of baseball.
Another unsuccessful season could mark the end of his cycle in the Bronx and open the door to a new era under Duncan or another candidate.
Boone, between pressure and history
Time is running out for Aaron Boone. The Yankees’ demands are non-negotiable, and fans of the most successful club in Major League Baseball are not content with playoff appearances: they want championships.If 2026 does not bring concrete results, Boone’s name could go down in history as another manager who failed to return glory to the most iconic team in American baseball.
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