After 15 long years, the New York Yankees returned to the World Series, but their dreams of a 28th championship were dashed by a 4-1 series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The defeat stirred up a storm of criticism aimed at Yankees manager Aaron Boone, whose tactical decisions throughout the series, particularly in Game 1, drew heavy scrutiny from fans and analysts. However, General Manager Brian Cashman is standing firmly by Boone, calling his job “a hard one” and asserting that the manager’s moves in the Fall Classic were justified under the circumstances.
Boone’s leadership saw the Yankees break their long-standing postseason barrier against the Houston Astros, reaching the World Series for the first time since 2009. The Yankees’ loyal fanbase was hopeful, envisioning a historic title win. Yet, after a crushing walk-off grand slam by Freddie Freeman in the tenth inning of Game 1, questions arose about Boone’s decision-making, starting with the choice to pull ace Gerrit Cole after just 88 pitches in a dominant performance.
As the game reached extra innings, Boone turned to Nestor Cortes, who hadn’t pitched in over a month due to injury recovery. Cashman revealed that Boone’s decision to deploy Cortes was a calculated choice based on matchup data. The lefty managed to get Shohei Ohtani out on a fly ball, but then issued an intentional walk to Mookie Betts, loading the bases for Freeman. With one swing, Freeman sent a grand slam over the outfield wall, effectively stealing Game 1 for the Dodgers. Cashman defended Boone’s decision as part of the calculated risk-taking required in high-stakes games, calling it “an impossible situation” that Boone handled to the best of his ability.
Following the final Game 5 loss, an emotional Boone expressed pride in the Yankees’ run, though he acknowledged the defeat was “cruel.” Despite the season’s abrupt end, Cashman has already signaled that Boone will return for the 2025 season. As the Yankees head into a challenging offseason, they face significant roster shakeups. With Anthony Rizzo’s option declined, Gleyber Torres likely to explore free agency, and competition mounting to re-sign Juan Soto, Boone and Cashman will need to build a squad capable of returning to the Fall Classic.
Yankees fans remain divided, some questioning if Boone’s tactical approach will bring the team the success they crave. But with Cashman’s support, Boone looks set to continue steering the Yankees’ ship into the future.
