The New York Yankees and Dodgers could have wrapped up their battle on the field; however, the competition did not end yet. After winning the World Series, the Dodgers took shots at the Yankees, highlighting their defensive lapses and baserunning struggles. Naturally, New York did not take the criticism lightly.

Aaron Boone, the New York Yankees manager, admitted he took the reviews probably a little bit personally; however, insisted the team would react distinctively if they were in that situation. Now, with a revamped roster, the Yankees are utilizing those words as inspiration heading into the new season.

The New York Yankees’ reaction

The New York Yankees did not appreciate the Dodgers’ post-championship trash talk. Boone acknowledged that he took it personally. He did not dispute the criticism, saying, “The reality is, you know, we did not play our best in the series and they won. So, you know, they have that right to say whatever.” However, Aaron Boone also made it clear that if the New York Yankees identify themselves in that situation, he wants them to “manage things with a little more class.“

ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted that the New York Yankees are utilizing the Dodgers’ review as fuel, saying, “They are utilizing it, to fuel themselves because, frankly, what the Dodgers said was true.” Passan referenced Joe Kelly’s remarks, in which the former Dodgers pitcher criticized New York’s base: “We understand that the New York Yankees defensively is not quite as tight as we were, baserunning their issues.” Passan highlighted Game 5 as proof, saying mistakes like “Aaron Judge dropping a ball on center field, Anthony Rizzo and Gerrit Cole not covering first base and the Dodgers winning the World Series championship because of it.“

What is next?

The New York Yankees did not just take the review to heart; they made moves to ensure history does not repeat itself. While Juan Soto’s departure was a vital loss, the Yankees reacted effectively by adding Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, as well as Devin Williams. Such additions bring much-needed defensive stability and veteran leadership to a team looking to clean up its mistakes.

Beyond the roster transformation, the team knows they need to sharpen their base. The Dodgers exposed their defensive weaknesses last season, and the Yankees are determined to manage them. In addition, the front office focused on acquiring players who excel in vital areas in which the team struggled. Aaron Boone and his staff have also placed a renewed focus on defensive drills and baserunning effectiveness in spring training. The message is clear: the New York Yankees are not just trying to be better; the team needs to prove the Dodgers wrong.

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The Yankees have heard the criticism, and instead of brushing it off, they are utilizing it as inspiration. With vital offseason moves and a determined mindset, the team is focusing on proving they belong at the top. Now, will they turn their frustration into success? Share your thoughts on this.