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New York Yankees Chairman Hal Steinbrenner is said to be "inclined" to keep Aaron Boone the club's manager, despite an early exit from the playoffs in the wild-card round.
ESPN's Buster Olney reported Tuesday, that Steinbrenner believed "underachieving player performances" was the reason why the Yanks failed to make a deeper postseason run. He'll likely pursue a new contract with Boone, whose contract expires after the 2021 World Series.
Olney was told by a source that "He likes Boone" and that he doesn't blame him for the events.
Spotrac reported that the Yankees had to fight to the end of the regular season to secure a playoff spot despite having a payroll of $203.3 million, which was second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers ($267.2million), Spotrac said.
New York lost 6-2 to rival Boston Red Sox in AL Wild Card Game. In the second season, Ace Gerrit Cole earned three runs on four hits and two walks during the loss. This was the third season of a $924 million contract.
Boone stated that he had not spoken to anyone about [my contract] so it was up to them to decide. "I love being here. It's a pleasure to work with these players.
He said, "Whatever happens, I'm at ease with. I know I can keep my head up."
Boone, who was hired in 2018, has led the Yanks' regular season record of 328-218. However, he has posted a less impressive 11-11 playoffs mark and the legendary organization has not reached the World Series in his four-year tenure.
The Yankees' failure to win the postseason might be too much to put on the shoulders of the players. This may prove difficult for the team's fans who have frequently questioned Boone’s management decisions in recent years.
Gleyber Torres hasn't been as good since hitting 38 home runs in 2019 and deadline acquisition Joey Gallo who only hit.160 in his first season, but it's difficult to see any other players who have underperformed in 2021.
The Yankees suffered a devastating loss in their leadoff hitter DJ LeMahieu, just before the playoffs. Cole was unable to deliver a shutout performance in the wild-card match, but the majority of the players performed as expected.
Olney mentioned that Boone could be interested by the San Diego Padres (who fired Jayce Tingler in the second-half collapse) if he hits a managerial free-agent marketplace. Joe Espada, Houston Astros bench coach, is another name to keep an eye on if the Yanks decide to make a change at the top of their coaching staff.
Espada was a coach for the Miami Marlins from 2010-13 and the Yankees from 2015-17 before joining the Astros.
Boone's fate may be decided at the last moment, despite Steinbrenner's claims that he wants to keep the status quo through 2022.
