Photo via Yahoo Sports

Grading the Yankees' 2026 season: Players, Aaron Boone, and the front office

The New York Yankees fell just short of their ultimate goal in 2026, exiting the postseason once again in the ALDS after a strong regular season. Despite a 93-68 record and a Wild Card Series victory over the Red Sox, the team’s inability to close out a World Series win left key figures with mixed grades.

General manager Brian Cashman faced criticism for the team’s early playoff elimination, though his consistent ability to build competitive rosters—reaching the postseason in 29 of his 30 seasons—earned him a solid B. His deadline moves, including the acquisition of Luis García Jr., will face further scrutiny in 2027, while his decision to avoid overpaying for Adley Rutschman left flexibility for future deals in a critical offseason for the franchise, which has not won a championship since 2009.

Manager Aaron Boone also received a B, balancing praise for his handling of injuries to stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton with questions about defensive lapses and lineup adjustments in October. Boone’s leadership kept the team afloat despite Judge’s absence and a bullpen that struggled at key moments, including a repeat of the 2024 World Series defensive miscue.

Offensively, Ben Rice emerged as the team’s most reliable bat, leading AL position players in postseason production with an .897 OPS and four homers in five games, earning an A. Cody Bellinger, meanwhile, maintained his value despite a drop in power numbers, finishing as the team’s top position player in WAR but batting just .190 in the playoffs, resulting in a B grade.

Judge’s injury-shortened season (66 games) further complicated the Yankees’ pursuit of a title, leaving their core with unfinished business heading into 2027.

Up nextMLB· 1d ago

Bronx or Boot? Vote on the fates of Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and key Yankees players