Aaron Boone’s Yankees successor?

In certain corners of New York City, there’s a resurgence of vintage appeal. Amidst the Bushwick throwback scene that Brooklynites navigate every weekend, it might be wise for the Yankees to adopt a classic approach to stay relevant in the Bronx.

Joe Girardi, the new YES Network analyst and a familiar face, hinted during his appearance on the YES Hot Stove show that his stint in the Yankees’ booth could resemble Theo Epstein’s role with Fenway Sports Group—temporary rather than long-term.

Girardi made it clear on the recent YES show that he sees his time in the booth as a transitional phase en route to his next managerial opportunity, a role he hasn’t held since his tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2022. Notably, he was let go by the Phillies, who subsequently made it to the World Series under his successor.

Girardi on YES: said he wants to manage again. Should the Yankees consider bringing him back if Boone can’t get the job done this year? pic.twitter.com/t3dO07IsS2

— Dugout Station (@DugoutStation) February 7, 2024

With Gary Sánchez no longer in the picture, Girardi may feel more inclined to throw his hat into the managerial ring. However, if Aaron Boone’s position becomes precarious in 2024, it would signify significant problems. Despite public opinion, Boone enjoys the support of his star players and the backing of team management, making it more likely for him to receive an extension rather than facing dismissal.

Moreover, it would be surprising if the Yankees opted for Girardi’s disciplinarian approach to lead the current roster, especially considering their forward-thinking and data-driven ethos. It’s more plausible for them to appoint a young, innovative candidate for their first managerial role, rather than seeking familiarity from their broadcast booth. If they were inclined to do so, they could have considered Carlos Beltrán instead.

So, while Girardi may be eyeing a managerial job, it would take exceptional circumstances for the Yankees to consider offering him one, despite his potential prowess in delivering memorable ad reads and trivia questions on air.