Aaron Boone ‘little bit’ bothered by Joe Kelly’s criticisms of Yankees defensive miscues at World Series

Aaron Boone gives media appearance for the first time since the Yankees extended his contract for the 2025 season.

Aaron Boone ‘little bit’ bothered by Joe Kelly’s criticisms of Yankees defensive miscues at World Series

Aaron Boone and Joe Kelly [Image Credit: Imago/SI]

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone recently over a Zoom meeting spoke about Dodgers Joe Kelly’s remarks among other discussions. Kelly recently bashed the pinstripes, saying they were not on their level and that they are just the “8th or 9th best playoff team” overall.

His comments spread on social media like wildfire and reached the Bronx too. Brian Cashman pointed out how Kelly’s comments were specifically pointed at certain players rather than the team as a whole.

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Aaron Boone, on the other hand, admitted that the team did not play well in the World Series, so Joe Kelly is “entitled” to share his thoughts. He did say that his comments bothered him “a little bit” but it was just something to brush off.

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I mean, a little bit. But you know, the bottom line is we didn’t play as well as we could’ve and obviously especially had a tough inning in Game 5. So that’s the ultimate disappointment. I try never to get too caught up in what other people are saying or doing. Especially when it comes from certain places. Everyone is going to have their opinions and be entitled to things. Certainly, I am very proud of what we do as a group.

Aaron Boone via SNY on X.

Kelly also said that the Dodgers knew their defensive flaws, so they took advantage to break down the pinstripes from within. However, Boone believes that there are no such weaknesses that were exposed at the Fall Classic, but rather mistakes that occurred during plays.

According to Kelly, the Yankees were just “kicking the ball around and playing Yankee defense” so the Dodgers didn’t need to “do anything crazy”. Even LA Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas said the Yankees’ “weakness was the way they make outs on bases…lazy defense.”

The Yankees specifically blew Game 1 and Game 5 of the World Series, marking the team’s doom at giving it a fight. In Game 5, Aaron Judge dropped a routine fly ball, Gerrit Cole’s failure to cover first base, and a bat off Mookie Betts that Anthony Rizzo did not go after.

All miscues led them to blow Game 5 5-0 lead and end it on a 6-7 loss. In Game 1, Boone relying on Nestor Cortes, who had not pitched in over 37 days, was asked to play in the 10th inning, which he blew again.

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Despite the struggles and failure, the Yankees are ready to start a new chapter. With the free agency going on and internal changes on the way, the team is prepping to fight back once again in 2025.

Aaron Boone on staff changes at NY Yankees organization

While manager Aaron Boone did not reveal what and which staff changes are on the way, he coyly stated there’ll be “one or two” coaching changes. New players will also be added to the free market, with the focus remaining on signing Juan Soto back.

Aaron Boone
Aaron Boone [Image Credit: Imago]

Boone also stated that he’s excited to be back as the manager for the Pinstripes in 2025. Many doubted whether the organization would retain him, but the team’s advancement to the World Series sealed the deal. 

I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this team. It’s a responsibility – and an opportunity – that I will never take lightly…I’m already looking forward to reporting for spring training in Tampa and working tirelessly to return the Yankees to the postseason to compete for a World Championship.

Aaron Boone as per Matthew Moreno of DodgerBlue.com.
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While they have signed Boone for 2025, GM Brian Cashman said there’ll be future talks about a possible extension. Currently, the focus remains on next year’s performance.