New York — Amidst a rocky season, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has brushed off criticism following remarks from Aaron Judge’s personal hitting instructor, reflecting the ever-present pressures of MLB management. Richard Schenck, Judge’s coach, recently condemned the team’s offensive performance in a social media post, sparking widespread discussion among fans and analysts alike.
Schenck expressed his dismay with the Yankees’ recent lackluster outcomes in his post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, stating, “They’ve lost 13 out of 18 while he’s hitting like an MVP. The Yankees offensive player development is terrible.” Despite the stern critique, Boone appeared unfazed when addressing the media.
“People are going to say things, and certainly everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” Boone said, underscoring the scrutiny that comes with donning the pinstripes. “Especially when you go through a tough stretch and wear this uniform, I know people are going to take shots.”
At the heart of the discussion is reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge, who has been a beacon of consistency for the team. Maintaining a .313 batting average with 32 home runs and 83 RBIs so far in the 2024 season, Judge’s individual performance contrasts sharply with the Yankees’ overall faltering batting average of .248 since early June, which ranks 27th among major league teams.
The team’s struggle is underscored by injuries to key players such as Anthony Rizzo, who has been out since mid-June with a broken forearm, and Giancarlo Stanton, sidelined due to a strained hamstring since late June. These absences have undoubtedly strained the team’s offensive output and overall team dynamics.
In response to the critique, Judge himself maintained a stoic demeanor, emphasizing focus on his game rather than external comments. “I honestly really don’t care what’s said on Twitter,” Judge stated. “It doesn’t involve me. It’s somebody else making a comment.”
Adding to the team’s challenges, Boone was recently compelled to address another incident involving outfielder Trent Grisham, whose perceived lack of hustle during a play was criticized publicly. In a recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, Grisham’s error contributed to a loss, prompting Boone to describe the oversight as “a bad look.”
Despite the criticism, Boone praised Grisham’s overall skill and demeanor, which he believes contribute to his success as a Gold Glove center fielder. “There’s also really good players out there that make the same mistake that a hack would make doing it with ease and it looks lackadaisical,” Boone explained. Grisham, who has been under greater scrutiny due to increased playing time following Stanton’s injury, has seen his batting improve, hitting .304 since late June.
As the Yankees rallied to face Boston in a series opener, the spotlight remained firmly on how Boone and his team would navigate the ongoing challenges. With the season progressing, the storied franchise continues to face high expectations and the relentless pursuit of excellence its history demands.
The dynamics within the team, the individual performances, and the management’s response to adversity will likely define the remainder of the Yankees’ season. As tensions run high, the blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent will be crucial in steering the storied team through turbulent waters.