In a stunning turn of events that could reshape baseball history, MLB has made a landmark decision. The decision regarding one of its most controversial figures. Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader who was barred from the game in 1989 for gambling on baseball, has long been a symbol of both unmatched on-field excellence and the sport’s strict code of conduct. Some people like the Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone, long appealed for consideration.

For decades, Rose has been synonymous with both greatness and scandal, his accomplishments overshadowed by his lifetime banishment. But now, after years of speculation, debate, and countless appeals, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred announced that Rose has been removed from the league’s permanently ineligible list. A long-awaited move that opens the door for his potential induction into the Hall of Fame.

Well, reacting to the same, the Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, sounds disappointed. But not the way you think.

“I’ve always maintained, I always feel like he should have been in the Hall of Fame a long time ago.”

This is not only Boone but also the opinions of the millions about a missed opportunity to recognize Rose when he was alive.

For starters, Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time leader in hits, passed away in September at the age of 83. Rose posted a career BA of .303 across a record 3,562 games. Throughout his legendary career, Rose was selected to 17 All-Star Games and claimed three batting titles. However, despite his remarkable achievements, the star third baseman was never featured on a HOF ballot due to his placement on MLB’s permanently ineligible list in 1989. This is because of the revelations that he had bet on baseball while managing the Reds.

However, there were repeated appeals arguing that Rose had served enough ban all these years and nothing had changed. It is just after President Donald Trump took a call about reinstating Rose early this year, things started to change. But at what cost? Rose is no more to see his recognition. Followers like Boone would thus be disappointed by this missed opportunity.

For Boone, while he is disappointed with the timing of recognizing Rose, his current stint with the Yankees can surely cheer him up.

The Yankees’ route to redemption 

The Yankees are currently leading the AL East with a 24–17 record, holding a .585 winning percentage and a 3.5-game lead over the Red Sox. Their playoff prospects are strong, with a 97.5% chance of making the postseason. The driving force behind his redemption? Aaron Judge.

Judge is having a remarkable season, batting .414 with 14 home runs and a 1.283 OPS. Ben Rice has also been a significant contributor, hitting .260 with nine home runs and a .937 OPS. With such offense, the Yankees scored 246 runs with a +81 run differential! 

With that being said, Boone is surely hoping to make a mark this postseason. But the team’s bullpen will offer more headaches for him.

Devin Williams, the top-tier closer, has faced significant challenges, recording an 11.25 ERA and experiencing command issues that led to his removal from the closer role. You heard that right, 11.25 ERA! Moreover, the Yankees’ bullpen ranks 25th in walks per nine innings, indicating control problems that have allowed opponents to capitalize on free passes.

Remember the game against the Padres on May 5? The bullpen has surrendered leads late in games, where a 3-0 lead turned into a 4-3 defeat. Hence, only offense is not going to pull the team in the postseason. And if the bullpen persists like this, fans can be ready to witness another heartbreak like last year.

Hence, addressing these bullpen issues is crucial for the Yankees to maintain their competitive edge in the AL East and to ensure that strong performances by the starting rotation and offense are not undermined in the later innings.