The New York Yankees’ 2025 campaign felt like another wild ride that ended in, well, the usual letdown. They knocked out the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, and for a brief moment, hope swept through the Bronx.
But that optimism vanished fast when the Toronto Blue Jays outplayed them in the Division Series. In the aftermath, several respected baseball writers at Sports Illustrated tossed out some bold, even controversial, offseason ideas for shaking up the franchise.
Their suggestions cover everything from changing managers to pushing for transparency in the front office. They also consider big trades and a new approach to player development, all with the hope of making the Yankees real contenders in 2026.
Managerial Change: Is It Time to Move on from Aaron Boone?
Few topics rile up Yankees fans more than Aaron Boone’s performance. Boone’s run as manager has included plenty of playoff appearances, but Delilah Bourque says the team’s talent keeps getting wasted by odd lineup choices and shaky bullpen calls.
Bourque’s take isn’t unique—more fans and writers are starting to think the Yankees need a new voice in the dugout. Maybe that’s what it’ll take to finally unlock the team’s potential.
Boone’s Critics vs. His Supporters
Supporters say Boone keeps things steady and manages big personalities in a tough market. Critics, on the other hand, point to the championship drought—over a decade now—and wonder if it’s time for a different approach.
Rumors will swirl all winter as the Yankees decide if a managerial change could finally make October look different.
Front Office Transparency and Accountability
Erin Shapland has another gripe: the Yankees’ front office needs to be more open. When injuries hit players like Anthony Volpe and Aaron Judge, updates were vague at best, leaving fans and media in the dark.
The Impact of Secrecy on Team Morale
This secrecy frustrates more than just the fan base—it can mess with clubhouse morale and player confidence. Being more upfront could help build trust and create a better vibe for everyone, especially during injury-heavy stretches.
Targeting Rotation Stability with Joe Ryan
Pitching depth is always on the Yankees’ wish list. Joe Randazzo thinks they should go after Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan to join Gerrit Cole and Max Fried.
Ryan brings durability and solid command, which could make the rotation one of the toughest in baseball.
Why Ryan Fits the Yankees’ Blueprint
The Yankees love pitchers who rack up strikeouts and throw strikes, and Ryan checks those boxes. Trading for him wouldn’t be cheap, but it might send a message that the team’s serious about winning right now.
Reevaluating Shortstop: Volpe vs. Bichette
Jack Markowski’s idea is definitely the most controversial: move on from Anthony Volpe and sign Bo Bichette from the Blue Jays. Volpe’s season got derailed by a shoulder injury, and while he’s got potential, maybe the Yankees want proven production at shortstop for 2026.
The Bichette Advantage
Landing Bichette would boost the offense and weaken a division rival—two birds, one stone. The price tag would be hefty, but you’d have a proven playoff performer in a key spot.
Embracing Youth for Long-Term Success
Noah Strackbein thinks it’s time to stop relying on the same veteran core and start investing in youth. He points to guys like Kyle Tucker of the Astros as examples of young talent who can anchor a team for years.
A Cultural Shift in the Bronx
Bringing in younger players would mean a real shift for a team known for big-money veterans. It could shake up the locker room and help the Yankees keep up with how other teams are building rosters these days.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
Every writer seems to have a different idea, but one thing stands out: the Yankees need to change. The team faces real pressure to rethink leadership, communication, and how they build their roster.
- Managerial shake-up could breathe new life into the dugout.
- Transparency from the front office might help rebuild some trust.
- Pitching upgrades are still a glaring need.
- Strategic acquisitions can chip away at rivals while giving the lineup a boost.
- Youth movement might finally set them up for lasting success.
Here is the source article for this story: Five Things Yankees Must Do This Offseason
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s