Yankees’ Aaron Boone slammed by fans for comment about Clay Holmes

When the New York Yankees (80-59) pulled off a hard-fought, extra-inning comeback over the host Boston Red Sox in late July, the momentum seemed to shift in their favor. They promptly defeated the Philadelphia Phillies and eventually reclaimed the American League’s best record. But missed opportunities continue to haunt the club.

In August, the Yankees lost series to the Los Angeles Angels, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals and St. Louis Cardinals, and also suffered an embarrassing 12-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, a team that will surely have the worst record in MLB history. During those setbacks, as happens whenever New York goes in the wrong direction, manager Aaron Boone incurred the wrath of a fan base that has grown increasingly restless with the game.

People continue to criticize the former postseason hero, with many using the expletive-laden nickname Red Sox Nation gave him in 2003 to identify him in the present. The adulation he enjoyed after that classic home run is fading as the Bronx sharpens its pitchforks. The angry crowd reconvened after Tuesday’s postgame comments.

A 4-1 lead over the Texas Rangers vanished in the eighth and ninth innings and ended in a stunning 7-4 loss on a grand slam by rookie Wyatt Langford. Yankees fans will want to skip over the gruesome but familiar details that shaped this Arlington nightmare.

Closer Clay Holmes retired the leadoff batter, but then gave up a hit and two walks. A visit to the mound did little to calm the jittery right-hander, giving way to Langford’s 407-foot blast. The collapse marked Holmes’ MLB-worst 11th blown save of the season.

Boone tried to find a silver lining in the whole affair, but fans weren’t having it.

Aaron Boone Enrages Fans After Yankees Defeat

“I don’t think he’s had many of those periods this year {where he mechanically struggled},” the seventh-year captain said, via Talkin’ Yanks. “They got him tonight. A lot of times when we were down, it was a soft touch that got the better of him. Obviously, that wasn’t the case tonight. … We’ve got to make sure he’s good.”

Aaron Boone mentioned the team would discuss its options for the ninth round, but patience has run out. The “soft contact” comment, while not related to Holmes’ recent accident, is driving people crazy… again.

“He literally blew 11 saves,” wrote one surprised fan on X, formerly Twitter. “What is he watching?” There are plenty of naysayers. “This is why Aaron Boone shouldn’t be a manager of any team… he has no feel for the game,” said another.

Fans have a particular problem with the manager’s diplomatic approach and what they see as a static leadership style. “Boone is the king of gaslight excuses!” one person said. “He’s the man in charge of the Yankees! Of course we’re not winning. Boone’s too bad to beat. You can either lead the team or be everybody’s best friend. Boone chose the ladder.”

The scathing criticism illustrates the fierce discontent of fans who have watched New York stumble in the playoffs for the past decade and are clamoring for a World Series appearance. Boone has been blamed for his lack of decisive action, but general manager Brian Cashman has pieced together the Yankees’ bullpen. Many saw warning signs in Holmes.

Groundball specialists are not ideal closers, especially in the modern game. Despite being a two-time All-Star, Clay Holmes doesn’t have the knockout throw of the truly dangerous ninth-rounders. Cashman could have seen those concerns and beefed up the back end of the bullpen this offseason or at the trade deadline. He didn’t.

The MLB playoffs can be unpredictable no matter what, but the Yankees have added another variable to the mix. And there’s not much time left to figure it out.