May 15, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) throws his bubble gum along the first base line after being ejected against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: New York Yankees at Toronto Blue Jays
(New York, NY) — The New York Yankees are on the verge on missing the postseason for the first time since 2016.
But don’t worry Brian Cashman is safe.
Aaron Boone is not, however.
“Cashman is safe,” reports Bob Klapisch of NJ.com. “The idea (of firing Cashman) isn’t even on the table. It’s not up for discussion.”
The 56-year-old has served as the Yankees general manager since 1998. He was gift wrapped a World Series roster when he stepped into the position and since has been fairly underwhelming. Despite constructing mediocre teams for the last decade and just one championship since 2000, Cashman has nothing to worry about.
Why? Great question.
The Yankees manager situation is different, however.
“Boone’s fate is less certain, in part because he has only one year remaining on his contract.” That, and the Yankees’ uninspiring play throughout the 2023 season, have left Steinbrenner “deeply frustrated.”
“If we don’t maybe the playoffs and we’re healthy the second half of the year and we start getting guys back and we get the team that we intended to be on the field, then I’m going to be asking some tough questions,” Steinbrenner said in July.
Translation? Hot seat.
FanGraphs says Boone’s squad has an 11.9 percent chance of getting to the playoffs, and a 0.7 percent chance of winning the World Series. Now add a $280 million payroll (most in team history), and the fact the Bombers are on pace for just 83 wins, which would be their worst total in 31 years.
However, there is hope for Aaron.
“Firing people is not in Hal’s nature,” Klapisch said. “To this point, he’s been content to let Cashman make the decisions. He trusts him. And he happens to like Boone personally, too.”
The Yankees have amassed a disappointing 59-55 record good for a fourth-place in the AL East, and 4 1/2 games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the third and final American League wild-card spot.
But who is to blame for the teams struggles?
According to the Yankees? Aaron Boone.
