Yankees Veteran Faces Cost of Brutal Honesty as Harsh Warning Surfaces After Aaron Boone Criticism

To say that the New York Yankees are strangers to drama would be a massive understatement. This time, though, it’s not about the benches being cleared or the manager getting ejected, but something that’s happened outside the game. Former outfielder Clint Frazier found himself back in the spotlight, only this time differently—because of his blunt criticism about the team and the leadership.

On Frazier’s new podcast, he came out to speak bluntly about the team and the manager. He, after all, had worn pinstripes from 2017 to 2021 and hence knows the inner workings, so he didn’t hide his feelings. When the Yanks were having a bad run a few weeks back, Clint Frazier was clear: “They suck right now,” talking about the bullpen collapse, gaps in depth and defense, and the shaky offense.

But even beyond the performance of the team, Frazier had pointed out that the real problem was how much control the front office exerts over Boone’s decisions. So for him, even if you fire the manager, there won’t be much of a difference in how things run and go forward. And this honestly ruffled some feathers—and now even Frazier’s safety is a concern.

Clint Frazier revealed on his YouTube channel that someone threatened him over on Instagram. He mentioned, “Something I didn’t even consider today that was brought to my attention via Instagram was that someone hopes I get punched in the mouth if I sit in the stands. Whoever that is, I guarantee he’s not going to be there. But still—it’s something I now have to think about.” Well, this admission highlights the risk that Yankee players, even former ones, face in the Bronx. It is intense!

Frazier’s take on Boone and that firing him won’t change anything has sparked debates among the fans who are already restless with a $300 million roster producing mid-level results. But even then, the backlash on Frazier is surprising, because it’s been a hot minute since Boone himself has been on the radar of the Yankee fans. From Boone playing certain players, or his constant support of Anthony Volpe, after multiple mistakes, fans have butchered Boone. Or maybe memory is really short-lived, and maybe the fans forgot about the embarrassing 12-1 loss to the Boston Red Sox. Maybe the fans are okay with the Yankees winning against the now less impactful teams in the league, like the Chicago White Sox.

Thankfully for now, the Yanks have leaped over Boston into second place and are three games from first place. And it’s the closest they have been since July 22. And for his Clint Frazier is not denying giving the credit. He said at the recent podcast, “Uh, I think this episode will be refreshing. Uh, because we’re not going to be s—talking the Yankees today. We’re giving them their flowers.” Well, talk about coming under fire for speaking one’s mind. But the reality is that Frazier’s take about the team sucking can still come true if they can’t handle the big dogs. And they have to face the Astros after the Sox series ends, and that’s got bad blood written all over it.

The real test awaits the New York Yankees still!

Now for weeks, the New York Yankees have taken care of business against the weaker competition they had. They clamored their way back into playoff contention—but this is far from a rosy picture. This is because the real test is when they have to face one of the toughest stretches of the season—playing with the Astros. And everyone knows, given the history, how intense this stretch is going to be.

The timing this time feels different because back in August, the New York Yankees had dropped 2-of-3 to Houston on their home ground, amidst their summer slump. But since August 11, the Bombers do look like a different team, going 14-5 and having the best mark in baseball over that time. Even with the slip-up against Chicago on Sunday, they are comfortably just three games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East while holding the wild card spot.

Now the elephant in the room is whether this hot streak the Yankees are having is built on quicksand. They for sure have beaten Minnesota, Washington, and Chicago, but Boston reminded them that tough competition is a problem for the Yankees. Many have had the complaint that the Yanks bully the bad teams, but can’t play against real competition. But statistically speaking, the Yanks have been pretty balanced, going 37-37 against winning teams, good for 10th in baseball, and 39-24 against losing clubs.

Now the Yanks have a golden chance to silence the narrative. Do you think they can?