Yankees GM Defends Boone Amid Media Scrutiny in 2025 Season

ST. LOUIS — As the New York Yankees prepare to face the St. Louis Cardinals, general manager Brian Cashman is backing manager Aaron Boone amid criticism from fans and media regarding player accountability. The Yankees, currently tied for the third-worst record since the trade deadline, are also sitting in a precarious position for the playoffs with just half a game separating them from the Cleveland Guardians.

On Friday, Cashman praised Boone’s ability to manage players under pressure in a demanding New York market. He described Boone as ‘level-headed and even-keeled,’ particularly during this challenging season. ‘He knows how tough this sport is. He’s invested in these guys heavily, as we all are,’ Cashman said.

The discussion of accountability has surfaced after several decisions by Boone, such as not benching players like Jazz Chisholm Jr. or Austin Wells during pivotal moments. Although fans have expressed frustration, Cashman emphasized that being in a big market adds a layer of instant accountability that is difficult for players to navigate. ‘You’ve got to understand what the atmosphere is like,’ he added.

Fans and analysts have questioned whether Boone is holding players accountable. Cashman defended Boone’s approach, stating, ‘I’m not an advocate of becoming Randy ‘Macho Man’ Savage or John Cena from WWE.’ Instead, Cashman pointed out that the Yankees should support players through their struggles rather than resort to harsh actions that could affect their morale.

Boone, who signed a two-year extension in the offseason, has received praise from team captain Aaron Judge for his communication style. ‘Trying to explain away a difficult play or a bad performance while the storm is upon us is not an easy task,’ Cashman noted. ‘He’s obviously done an amazing job of working through that.’

As the Yankees sit 6.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays for the division lead, their recent performance has been lackluster, with a 23-32 record since mid-June. Cashman acknowledged the urgency as they aim to regain control of their playoff prospects. ‘If not, we’ll be fighting to punch a ticket a different way. We have a lot of time on the clock, but not enough time at the same time,’ Cashman said. ‘I don’t want to misrepresent that there’s not urgency, because there is.’