Just last month, the Yankees’ longtime supporter had been firm in his stance: “I don’t think Boone is the problem.” The Yankees were at their lowest. Yet, he believed it’s the roster construction that’s the real issue, not Boone. This was just one of plenty of moments over the years where he shielded Boone from blame. However, after the Yankees’ 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins, rather than being defended, Aaron Boone’s decisions came under scrutiny.

The Twins hadn’t beaten the Bronx Bombers since April 25, 2023. Their nine-game losing streak to the Yankees finally came to an end on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium. The game commenced after a long 1-hour and 52-minute rain delay, and the Yankees’ offense never showed up.

They couldn’t complete the series sweep, and most importantly, they missed the chance to fill the gap in the AL Wild Card standings. Out of all questionable decisions throughout the game, Michael Kay—Aaron Boone’s longtime supporter and Yankees’ play-by-play announcer—didn’t hide his bewilderment.

“But there’s got to be an urgency. I don’t get why they went to De Los Santos… Every single pitcher in the bullpen last night was available; who’s your best? Who’s your best to pitch the 6th inning?” he said on Boone’s decision to send De Los Santos during the sixth inning. Apparently, the Yankees’ bullpen had to take over early, starting with Yerry De Los Santos in the sixth inning. He gave up two infield singles consecutively.

Then, Kody Clemens made it to third base after hitting a double into the gap. Thanks to Grishman’s fielding error, the Twins were up 3-1. Meanwhile, Aaron Boone brought in Mark Leiter Jr. after De Los Santos didn’t record a single out.

When Leiter came in, he got two infield pop-outs and was one out away from allowing another run. Yet, Royce Lewis reached out and hit a soft double down the left field line, bringing in another run and handing the Twins a 4-1 lead.

That’s how the Yankees’ loss didn’t just end a long-time built streak but also shook Kay’s faith in Boone and the club. Well, the Yankees have an off day on Thursday before they head to go against the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday. Amidst fighting to find their footing, the Yankees now have more bad news!

The Yankees got some bad news with Cody Bellinger

Remember when Juan Soto moved to Queens and the Yankees immediately had to find their backup? Yes, that is when they brought in Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. Since then, he has been a crucial piece of the lineup. He has held a slash line of .270/.325/.491, and to say the least, the Yankees do rely on him. But now, Bellinger is nearing his free agency.

He himself hasn’t hinted that he will opt out of the final year of his 3-year, $80 million deal. However, as per Mike Axisa from CBS Sports, it’s highly likely that Bellinger will test the free agency waters. As Axisa laid out, whether he stays or leaves, the Cubs will anyway pay him $2.5 million.

If he plays next season, he will earn a massive $25 million, and if he decides to go, he will get a $5 million buyout. During the last offseason, Bellinger had the option to leave, but he chose to stay, taking a $27.5 million deal for 2025. Only a few days later, the Cubs traded him to the Bronx. Plus, all these past three seasons, he has played exceptionally to now land on a long-term deal.

He did struggle a bit in 2021-2022, but now he has been consistently hitting. He is now a veteran, and if he doesn’t secure a long-term deal this season, he might not get a chance again.