How potential MLB lockout impacted Yankees' Aaron Boone decision originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Aaron Boone is returning for his 10th season as New York Yankees manager in 2027.
None of his first nine seasons ended with a 28th World Series title for the Yankees.
He's led the AL East club to the postseason in eight of his nine seasons with the organization, but many Yankees fans were ready for a change.
Unfortunately for those fans, they will have to wait at least one more year, as Boone's contract expires after next season.
Digging deeper into Boone's return, it makes sense why owner Hal Steinbrenner is sticking with him.
A potential Major League Baseball lockout could make this offseason anything but a normal one.
"In that light, it makes sense why the Yankees would think they're better off with the devil they know rather than the one they don't — especially when the latter will be flying blind if the season abruptly begins in April or May," FanSided's Chris Landers wrote.
"Boone knows this team, and this team knows Boone. Is the gap between he and, say, Alex Cora or Rocco Baldelli really wide enough to take that risk?"
A lockout would create a disconnect between MLB managers and their players. The Yankees clearly don't want a new skipper to be trying to play catch-up if the work stoppage extends past Opening Day.
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By now, Yankees players know Boone well enough that even a few months without communication is better than bringing in someone new.
For better or worse, New York is sticking with who they believe can lead the team to a championship.
However, a contract extension for Boone does not appear imminent.
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