New York Yankees Manager: Who Could Replace Aaron Boone?

The New York Yankees have five playoff appearances in Aaron Boone’s five seasons as manager, and, as of April 5, they have World Series odds of +800.

But is that really enough for a $268-million roster?

With most fingers pointing at Boone after another World Series whiff in 2022 — the 13th straight season without an AL pennant — the manager was on the hot seat at the end of last season. But what about now?

If Boone is fired after another early playoff exit, here are some potential replacements.

DJ LeMahieu’s first home run of the year prevented a shutout as he continues to have “quality at-bats” early in the year, says Aaron Boone. pic.twitter.com/9r5wknmXr6

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 5, 2023

Mike Shildt

Player Development Consultant — San Diego Padres

Shildt had a lot of success as St. Louis Cardinals’ manager before he was fired after the 2021 seasons due to “philosophical differences,” though his exit still clouds his tenure. As a result, he may be too much of a risk for the Yankees to seriously consider.

Shildt served as the Cardinals’ first base coach in 2017 before being promoted to manager in 2018 after the firing of Mike Matheny. The Cardinals advanced to the playoffs in all three of Shildt’s full seasons managing the Cardinals (2019-21), and he won the NL Manager of the Year Award in 2019.

Shildt joined the San Diego Padres in a player development role in 2022. He was the team’s interim third base coach after Matt Williams had hip surgery at the start of 2022 and now holds the position of Senior Advisor to Player Development and Major Leagues. He has said he hopes to manage again in the future.

Luis Rojas

Third Base Coach — New York Yankees

Rojas joined the Yankees organization as their third base coach in November 2021 after a two-year tenure as New York Mets’ manager. 

His two seasons in the Mets’ dugout were admittedly poor — 103-119 record with zero playoff appearances — but he was still liked in the clubhouse.

As the son of former player and manager Felipe Alou and the half-brother of former player Moises Alou, Rojas has a long history of “baseball DNA,” which might be an influencing factor for the tradition-loving Yankees.

Luis Rojas on joining Aaron Boone's staff:

"Aaron was the first manager that called me when I got the manager position with the New York Mets. We established a good connection" pic.twitter.com/JJEaV9h9Lw

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) November 16, 2021

Sandy Alomar Jr.

First Base Coach — Cleveland Guardians

Alomar’s name floats around for most managerial vacancies. The Cleveland Guardians’ first base coach is almost certain to jump at the idea of interviewing with the Yankees.

The six-time All-Star catcher had a successful playing career, and began coaching in 2008, one year after his retirement. He was the catching instructor for the New York Mets in 2008 and 2009 before returning to Cleveland as first base coach in 2010.

Alomar was also bench coach and has twice been the club’s interim manager – in 2011 after the firing of Manny Acta and 2020 while Terry Francona had health issues. In 46 games as acting manager, the Guardians went 28–18. While it’s not a huge sample size, he has a lot of baseball experience and could be a contender to replace Boone.