The New York Yankees are sticking with manager Aaron Boone for now, but discussions about potential replacements are gaining traction. With the team sitting third in the AL East behind the Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox, and their AL Wild Card spot in jeopardy, fans are growing restless and calling for change. Despite the Yankees leading the American League in WAR, their inability to consistently win games points to a possible leadership issue, making Boone a prime target for criticism.
FanSided’s Christopher Kline suggested three potential managerial candidates if the Yankees move on from Boone: Los Angeles Angels manager Ron Washington, former Miami Marlins manager Skip Schumaker, and current Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus. Kline noted that Ausmus is a likely choice due to his existing ties to the organization. “The Yankees aren’t known for bold, unconventional hires,” Kline wrote. “They value tradition and continuity. Boone briefly played for the Yankees, and while Ausmus didn’t, he’s their bench coach and a familiar presence in the clubhouse.”
Kline described Ausmus as a classic player-turned-manager. Though his managerial stints with the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Angels were not particularly successful, Ausmus brings a wealth of experience as a former All-Star and three-time Gold Glove catcher, with a deep understanding of game-calling and defensive strategy. At 56, he’s still relatively early in his coaching career, making him a potential long-term fit for the Yankees. His rapport with key players like Aaron Judge could ease his transition into the role, and the team’s financial backing under Hal Steinbrenner could bolster his chances of success. Kline sees Ausmus as a safe, practical choice.
Ausmus had an 18-year MLB playing career, starting with the San Diego Padres in 1993. Though he never played for the Yankees at the major league level, he was drafted by them in 1987 and spent five seasons in their minor league system. He earned three Gold Gloves (2001, 2002, 2006) and an All-Star nod in 1999 with the Detroit Tigers. After retiring in 2010, Ausmus managed the Tigers (2014-2017) and Angels (2019) and served as a bench coach for the Oakland Athletics in 2022 before joining the Yankees in 2024.
Boone, who has managed the Yankees since 2018, remains in place, with no official word from the team suggesting his job is at risk. However, his failure to deliver a World Series title, coupled with another disappointing season in 2025, has fueled speculation about his future. With names like Ausmus already being floated as viable replacements, Boone’s time to turn things around may be running out.
Source: SI.com
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