Yankees Manager Aaron Boone Defends Team's Fundamentals

Yankees manager Aaron Boone addressed recent criticisms regarding his team's defense following their disappointing Game 5 loss in the World Series against the Dodgers. Boone acknowledged the team's mistakes during a crucial fifth inning, which saw five unearned runs score, but he pushed back against the narrative that the Yankees lack fundamental baseball skills, arguing it has been exaggerated. He highlighted that throughout the season, the Yankees often won due to solid defensive plays and small ball strategies, and expressed pride in their overall performance despite the World Series setback. Boone's comments came after Dodgers players Joe Kelly and Miguel Rojas criticized the Yankees' play, suggesting they were fundamentally weak. Boone remains focused on preparing for the next season, having had his contract option for 2025 exercised earlier this month. He emphasized the importance of learning from the past while remaining confident in the team's abilities.