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BOSTON – As the New York Yankees season came to an end at the hands of the Boston Red Sox in Tuesday night’s American League Wild Card Game, the spotlight turned to manager Aaron Boone’s contractual situation and his future with the club.
With Boone’s contract ending at the end of the 2021 season, his professional status remains in question.
“I had no conversation about [my contract] with anyone, then we’ll see, ”Boone said after the Yankees 6-2 loss. “I love being here. I love working with this group of players. “
Boone won’t look emotionally at Tuesday’s game if he marks the end of his tenure with the Yankees. Ace Gerrit Cole struggled and failed to save a third inning putout before being put out. The Yankees offense struggled throughout the night against Boston starter Nathan Eovaldi, and the reliever box did not allow New York to remain competitive after Cole’s exit.
In his four seasons with the Yankees, Boone is 328-218 and has helped them make the playoffs every year, but never further than the AL Championship Series.
Reflecting on this season, Boone has noted increased competition in the rest of the AL.
“The league closed the gap on us,” said Boone. “We have to improve in all aspects. Because it’s not just the Red Sox and the Astros now in our league. Look at our division, the Rays are a beast, Toronto, there are teams in Central that are better and better, teams in the West that are getting better and better, teams that have closed us the gap. “
His comments immediately sparked backlash, as Yankees and baseball fans pointed out via social media that the team had not competed in a World Series since 2009. This 12-year drought is the third longest. of franchise history, behind the 17 seasons from 1903. to 1920 and the 13 from 1982 to 1995, according to ESPN Stats & Information research.
“The guys are crushed,” Boone said. “Tonight has been another tough one to take. We’ve been through a lot of wars with guys in this room, and we’ve got a lot of scars.… When it ends so abruptly, the end is really cruel.”
Star outfielder Aaron Judge gave Boone a vote of confidence when asked why the Yankees manager should return in 2022.
“There are a lot of good answers to that, besides being a great manager and leading this team for the past two years, winning over 100 games, his leadership skills balanced through the ups and downs. The good times and the bad times are part of that, “the judge said.” When you’re the manager of this team and you wear the NY and you wear those stripes, it’s a heavy burden. But a guy like Booney, dude, he wears it with pride, shows up to work every day and sets it up the right way for us, keeps us motivated and takes on guys when he needs it. It has been a pleasure for the past two years to play for him and fight for him every day. I could spend the whole night telling you why he should always be the manager. “
Boone said he feels incredibly supported by the Yankees, from owner Hal Steinbrenner to general manager Brian Cashman. The last time a Yankees manager was allowed to manage a fifth season without winning a World Series ring was in 1922.
Whatever his future may be, Boone has remained proud of his job as the Yankees’ skipper.
“Whatever happens, I’m at peace with it,” Boone said. “I know I can hold my head up high.”
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