Having guided the NYY to the ALCS in 2019, 2022, and 2024, Aaron Boone is looking to extend that run in 2025. This season, they find themselves in another tight playoff race, locked in a competition with the Blue Jays for the AL East crown. Yet, there has been a collective voice from fans in the Bronx to fire him. So, this MLB insider’s take on the same might not be what they want to hear.

Aaron Boone took the helm before the 2018 season and has been with them for eight summers so far. Before this season, he signed a two-year extension deal through 2027. But the skipper hasn’t been flawless this season. Giving Volpe endless chances despite his errors and poor bullpen management led to frustration among fans. But now, speaking on Foul Territory, veteran MLB insider Ken Rosenthal delivered a reality check that the Bleacher Creatures might not appreciate.

“Aaron Boone certainly would be one if indeed they get knocked out early, and I’m not even sure then he would get fired. He’s so close with Brian Cashman, the GM, so well thought of by their owner, Hal Steinbrenner.” Rosenthal explained it a bit further.

“I know fans have wanted him fired, as I wrote in the article 627 times already, but it hasn’t happened, and it would take a lot for it to happen. I would think it would take a first-round exit or an early exit with them playing poorly for even it to become an issue.”

No doubt some decisions raised eyebrows. However, it changed. The Yankees’ current position is even more impressive considering where they stood earlier this season.

Since June 13, the Yankees had an 18-27 record, the fifth-worst in MLB, putting pressure on Boone’s decisions. However, the skipper’s change in strategy, such as giving Jose Caballero chances, has shown results in the season’s final stretch. The team has posted a remarkable 23-9 record since late August, demonstrating Boone’s ability to steady the ship when it mattered most.

And Ken Rosenthal wrote exactly that in his column before talking on the Foul Territory.

“Much as some Yankees fans wanted Boone fired 627 times already, here are the facts: Since Boone took over in 2018, the Yankees’ regular-season winning percentage is third only to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros,” Rosenthal noted. “The only year in which they missed the playoffs was 2023. They rebounded to reach the World Series in ’24. And, after a particularly rocky journey in ’25, they are 21-8 since Aug. 23, second only to Cleveland’s 22-8 mark.”

Boone became the first manager in MLB history to win 100 or more games in each of his first two seasons (100 in 2018 and 103 in 2019). He’s also the eighth manager in Yankees history to reach 500 career wins. 

Brian Cashman’s recent comments further cement Boone’s position. “Aaron is a steadying presence in our clubhouse and possesses a profound ability to connect with and foster relationships with his players.” Cashman continued, “Consistently exhibiting these skills in such a demanding and pressurized market is what makes him one of the game’s finest managers.”

Despite facing criticism throughout the season, Aaron Boone remains focused on the bigger picture. His recent comments about playoff positioning reveal his strategic mindset heading into October and why the front office believes in him.

Aaron Boone says a bye is like winning a round without playing

Since MLB expanded the postseason, many believe that clubs that receive a bye in the first round are at a disadvantage in the Division Series. Aaron Boone, on the other hand, isn’t on the same page there. He believes that winning without playing is still a win.

“I’ll take the bye all day long. It’s winning a series, essentially without having to play in one,” Boone said, per SNY. “Anything can happen in the postseason, but anything could happen in the best-of-three in the wild card. I don’t think either is saying, ‘That team is going to win it all.’ We’ve seen teams come out of the wild card situation and run the table. We’ve (also) seen it the other way. If you’re asking me if I get to choose one or the other, I’ll take the bye.”

His perspective aligns when you look at the Pinstripes’ history.

The Yankees have received first-round byes twice (2022 & 2024) since MLB introduced the Wild Card Series in 2022. They made it to the ALCS both times, and last season, they advanced to the World Series.

Boone’s confidence stems from experience as the Yankees strive to win another division title and potentially secure a bye. He doesn’t worry about losing rhythm; instead, he enjoys the breaks that pitchers and everyday players get. He thinks that being rested when the ALCS starts gives them the best chance to make another deep postseason run.

Now, the question remains: Can the Yankees change what happened in 2024?