Leading the New York Yankees comes with pressure due to the expectations and constant media attention in baseball. If the team falls short of winning a World Series championship the season is often seen as unsuccessful. Aaron Boone knows this well as he’s been in the hot seat since 2018. Dealing with both applause and backlash while steering the Yankees to six playoff runs was no easy feat. Now in 2025, he’s looking to take them to the World Series final and finally win the title.

The Yankees have extended Boone’s contract through 2027, ensuring stability at the helm while also giving him a well-earned raise. His original 2025 club option, valued at $3 million, has been increased to $4.5 million. On top of that, the team has added two more years—$5 million in 2026 and $5.5 million in 2027—bringing the total deal to $15 million over three seasons. This puts Boone closer to the financial tier of MLB’s top-paid managers, like Cleveland’s Terry Francona (before retirement) and Houston’s Dusty Baker (before stepping down).

Boone’s big payday shows that the Yankees are fully committed to him

If you’re wondering why the Yankees doubled down on Boone, consider a simple fact. Since taking over in 2018, he’s guided the team to six postseason appearances, including a 2024 World Series berth. While he’s faced criticism (as any Yankees manager is bound to), ownership clearly believes he’s the right guy for the job.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has been clear about the organization’s commitment to Boone. “You always want to have the guy for as long as you can have (him),” Cashman said, emphasizing Boone’s leadership and proven ability to manage the New York-based outfit’s unique challenges. That belief translated into real dollars, as ownership opted not just to keep Boone but to pay him like one of the game’s elite. Although Boone’s salary may not match that of top-paid managers like Bruce Bochy and Craig Counsell, his contract extension indicates that the Yankees view him as the long-term solution for their team in the Bronx.

This surprising decision also sheds light on the salary disparity between Boone and his previous bench coach Carlos Mendoza who is currently leading the Mets team. As per the New York Post, Mendoza’s three-year, $4.5 million contract pays just $1.5 million per season—less than a third of what Boone will make annually in 2027. If the Mets turn things around under Mendoza, he could be in line for a significant raise down the road.

Boone’s biggest critics: why some fans aren’t convinced

Aaron Boone’s skeptics are still not swayed by his achievements in the regular season and the recent contract extension. Despite guiding the Yankees to the 2024 World Series where they faced a defeat against the Dodgers in five games, doubts have resurfaced about his ability to secure victories on the stage.

On one hand, fans have nightmarish flashbacks of his playoff blunders. Key among them are the mismanagement in the 2020 ALDS versus Tampa Bay, the Wild Card loss to Boston in 2021, and being swept by Houston in the 2022 ALCS – all good reasons for their lack of confidence in him. Boone’s approach during the game often faces criticism especially his choices for the bullpen, hence the doubts about his ability to guide the Yankees to another championship victory. Remember the sweet, sweet taste of success in 2009? Those were the good old days.

On the other hand, Boone’s advocates contend that he has successfully maintained the Yankees’ competitiveness despite injuries and roster obstacles over time. Alex Cora vouched for Boone stressing his authority in the clubhouse and solid support from GM Brian Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner. His impressive regular season track record (603-429) serves as proof of leadership skills during a demanding schedule. Yet the lingering inquiry remains regarding how successful he can be when the pressure is at its peak. With this addition in place, the Yankees are optimistic that he can succeed. But yet another letdown in October might push their limits of tolerance.

In the end, whether you think Boone deserves this payday or not, the Yankees clearly value long-term continuity over quick fixes. With his new deal, Boone remains a central figure in the franchise’s pursuit of its 28th championship. Now, it’s on him to make sure that investment pays off.