Aaron Boone Fires Back At Critics Questioning Yankees’ Effort

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone came out swinging.

Boone used his appearance on the “Talkin’ Yanks” podcast this week to push back against growing criticism of his club’s demeanor, effort and response to adversity.

Boone, visibly agitated throughout the interview, bristled at suggestions that the Yankees lack urgency or are not taking losses seriously.

“We are obsessed with winning,” Boone said during the Tuesday morning podcast, recorded hours before the Yankees edged the Blue Jays 5-4 in Toronto. “Guys give a rip.”

The conversation turned tense when the hosts questioned whether the Yankees, 10-17 in AL East games entering Tuesday, looked flat in key divisional matchups. Boone shot down the notion and instead called out the media for what he labeled “leading questions” and selective outrage.

“Everyone’s different,” Boone said. “Some guys throw helmets, some don’t. That doesn’t mean one guy cares more. Stop judging emotion like it’s a damn meter of effort.”

Boone took particular exception to interpretations of player postgame comments, including those from Anthony Volpe, who had a rough outing Monday and has faced increased scrutiny.

When co-host Jomboy pushed Boone on the perception that fans are not seeing enough passion, the response was immediate: “I don’t care what you want,” Boone said. “I want our guys locked. Locked in when it’s s–tty, when it’s good and everything in between. Period. It’s a hard game.”

The Yankees entered Wednesday at 56-45, three games behind Toronto. The team is under .500 on the road this season (26-26) and 11-17 against AL East opponents.

The team is rumored to be seeking reinforcements at third base as well as starting pitching at the trade deadline.

Judging by Boone’s tone, the message remains clear: questioning their commitment will not fly.