Yankees back Boone while debate over structure and slump continues

The New York Yankees are navigating a difficult stretch this season, with mounting criticism of manager Aaron Boone even as the team remains in playoff contention. A chorus of voices argues that simply changing the man in the dugout may not address deeper structural challenges, while others caution that Boone’s job security remains tied to his contract and the broader leadership of the franchise.

Boone has led the Yankees since 2018, delivering six playoff appearances, three division titles and an American League pennant, but no World Series title. This season, the team started strong but has stumbled after the trade deadline, slipping toward the middle of the American League standings and clinging to a slim wildcard spot. The club has faced bullpen breakdowns, inconsistent offense and defensive lapses as it fights to regain momentum in a high-pressure market where expectations run high and scrutiny is intense.

A former Yankees outfielder argued that Boone is not the sole source of the club’s decisions. “Boone is just the mouthpiece of a larger system,” the person said, describing a process in which daily lineups and bullpen roles are shaped by a collaboration between the...