Another year, another early playoff exit for the New York Yankees.
The Yankees failed again in their bid for their first World Series title since 2009, falling to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. The defending American League champs won just one game in their lopsided series against the Blue Jays, getting outscored 34-19 over the four games.
New York has now gone 16 seasons without a title despite making 11 postseason appearances during that time. The Yankees still have not won a championship since Aaron Boone took over as manager in 2018, imploding in October on an annual basis.
After Wednesday’s lifeless 5-2 loss at Yankee Stadium, Boone addressed his job security for 2026.
When asked if he has any reason to think he won’t return as New York’s manager next year, Boone said, “No, I’m under contract. So no, I don’t expect anything.”
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Boone, who signed a two-year extension before this season, is under contract through 2027.
While fans and media have repeatedly called for Boone to be fired for years now, his job seems fairly safe heading into 2026. Despite losing Juan Soto in free agency and Gerrit Cole to injury, the Yankees still tied Toronto for the best record in the American League this season and are only one year removed from reaching the World Series.
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If Boone does stick around, that will likely be good news for the Boston Red Sox. Alex Cora routinely manages circles around him whenever they meet, and Boone has been unable to get New York over the hump in October. Had a couple of things gone differently in Game 2 of the AL Wild Card Series, the Red Sox would have beaten the Yankees and advanced to the ALDS.
Great managers get the best out of their teams and elevate their players, especially in big moments. Boone appears incapable of doing that, and there’s a reason he’s the club’s first manager in 30 years without a championship.
Featured image via Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images
