Aaron Boone’s future as the New York Yankees manager is once again in question, and according to a long-time Yankees play-by-play announcer and noted team voice, the only thing keeping him employed is a fundamental shift in the front office’s definition of success.

Michael Kay feels that it all depends on perspective.

“I guess if he’s not successful this year, they could let him go with a year left,” said Kay. “Everybody goes, he hasn’t been successful in his eight years. That’s under the rules of George Steinbrenner, where success was measured by winning a championship. Since George Steinbrenner passed, no person in the front office has said that World Series or bust.”

Michael Kay has repeatedly suggested that Aaron Boone is being viewed as a failure due to consistent postseason collapses.

Despite the Yankees making the playoffs in 7 of his 8 seasons, the team often struggles in October. Boone’s teams have frequently lost in early rounds, including the 2025 ALDS versus the Blue Jays, 3-1.

The Yankees regularly reach the playoffs but fail to pose a challenge to most of their opponents. In 2025, Toronto outscored the team 34-19 and outhit them 50-34 in the ALDS. Starter Luis Gil, Max Fried, and Carlos Rodon posted a combined ERA above 16 in the first three games. Rookie pitcher Trey Yesavage also no-hit them through 5 1/3 innings, striking out 11 batters.

This suggests that the team may not be adequately prepared for the postseason.

Not only that, but some of Boone’s managerial choices have put him in this position.

Aaron Boone’s managerial decisions have sometimes been seen as counterproductive or as favoring certain players unfairly. He left Devin Williams and Anthony Volpe in high-leverage situations despite poor performance, frustrating fans. Gerrit Cole was removed in Game 1 of the 2025 wild-card round despite pitching well, and Luke Weaver was called in prematurely.

Michael Kay and others have highlighted these decisions as examples of following a front office script rather than adapting in-game.

The 2025 season was particularly difficult, starting with injuries and extending through poor October results. Key plays in late games, like Grisham jogging to first and Volpe’s confusion, caused the team to drop wins. Boone publicly defended these actions, which drew criticism from fans and analysts, including Jack Curry and Paul O’Neill.

According to Michael Kay, the standard set during the George Steinbrenner era considered only winning the World Series as true success. Under that definition, the team would have fired Boone three years ago after he missed the postseason in 2023. Currently, the front office measures success by playoff appearances and competitiveness rather than championships.

Plus, Kay doesn’t forget to point out that Boone may not be the failure most look at him as.

“If getting to the playoffs and having a chance to win every single year, if that’s considered success, then he’s been successful. Plus, he’s a terrific guy. He’s a good face of the organization. He handles the media. He talks two-times a day, 162 days a year. He’s the keeper of the Yankee information. If the front office thinks success is being competitive, having a chance every year to win the World Series, then he’s successful.”

Aaron Boone survives because George Steinbrenner’s rules died, and winning championships isn’t mandatory anymore. But what’s next?

If the Yankees move on from Aaron Boone, who is the next in line?

By the looks of it, the New York Yankees and Hal Steinbrenner might not fire Aaron Boone. But with his contract almost over, they will be looking for his successor who can take them back to glory.

The Yankees have struggled through inconsistent play and a five-game losing streak, going 25–32 since June 1, raising questions about Aaron Boone’s leadership. Criticism has focused on his bullpen management, notably overusing Devin Williams despite multiple blown saves, and relying on Anthony Volpe despite leading the league in fielding errors.

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New York has watched a roster with undeniable talent fail repeatedly, which fuels discussions about whether a managerial change could restore discipline and results.

Five potential candidates could step in and address the team’s struggles while fitting the Yankees’ culture.

Joe Girardi offers a .563 winning percentage from his previous Yankees tenure and led them to the 2009 World Series, but bullpen control was a recurring critique.

Carlos Beltrán brings playing experience and a .270 batting average over 341 games in New York. Yet his past Astros scandal prevents him from having any previous managerial record, raising accountability questions.

Phil Nevin could instill accountability as a former third base coach and Angels manager for 268 games. Although his base-running decisions sometimes drew criticism.

Joe Maddon offers postseason experience and big-market management knowledge, but he has no previous connection to the Yankees organization.

Dan Fiorito was recently promoted from Double-A Somerset after winning the 2022 championship and Eastern League Manager of the Year. He could bridge minor league development to MLB success, giving the team a disciplined approach while keeping talent progression in mind.

If the Yankees finally move on, Joe Girardi’s winning pedigree could steady this unpredictable roster. Carlos Beltrán and Phil Nevin offer ties to New York, though questions still shadow their choices. Dan Fiorito and Joe Maddon provide fresh approaches, showing the team might finally think beyond familiarity.

Who do you think would be the best replacement if Boone walks away?