Derek Jeter: ”Aaron Boone remain the best for the Yankees despite poor play, blame the players.”

Derek Jeter, a former player for the New York Yankees, was asked if manager Aaron Boone’s tendency to be a “little (too) buddy-buddy with players” was the reason behind the team’s summer slump during an interview on FS1’s “The Herd with Colin Cowherd” program.

According to Jeter’s response, which Jimmy Hascup of NJ Advance Media provided for NJ.com, “I wouldn’t necessarily buy that.” “To succeed in this day and age, you have to be a player’s manager.” Aaron’s greatest quality was that he participated in the game. He is aware that during the course of a six-month season, difficulties may arise. You will struggle if you play 162 games. I believe he did a fantastic job. It is ultimately up to the players. Actually, those are the ones that are playing the games on the field.”

From 2018 to 2022, Boone led the Yankees to the postseason each year. However, the 2023 team finished with an overall record of 82-80 and missed the postseason. Boone was supported by players like club captain Aaron Judge and All-Star slugger Josh Beckett last autumn, and the Yankees finished 50–22 on June 14 of this year.

The Bronx Bombers, on the other hand, managed to cool off in the summer heat and crawl into the All-Star break at 58-40. As MLB play came to a finish on Sunday, the Baltimore Orioles, who lead the American League East, held a 58-38 lead.

Regarding some Yankees fans urging team owner Hal Steinbrenner to dismiss Boone, Jeter remarked, “But I would say I haven’t paid much attention to the criticism, and criticism is part of playing in New York, especially when the expectation level is where it is.” “But if he is getting heavily criticized, I think it’s a bit unfair because ultimately the players are the ones that play.”

Before the All-Star Game, Boone was not in danger of losing his job before the season ended. He is in the final guaranteed year of a contract that includes a club option for 2025. When New York opens a four-game home series against the Tampa Bay Rays (48-48) on Friday, stars like Judge of the Yankees will try to put an end to rumors about Boone’s near future.