​Aaron Boone will officially be returning to the New York Yankees for the 2027 MLB season. It was another early exit for New York as the Tampa Bay Rays swept them in the divisional series. There’s a lot to unpack about why Boone’s return may raise more questions than answers, so let’s dive in.MORE: Japanese superstar slugger set to join MLB team in 2027Reason Aaron Boone is back?Sep 5, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches play during the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Aaron Boone guided the Yankees to an impressive 93 wins, securing 2nd place in the competitive AL East. Despite facing significant injuries to key players like Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Cody Bellinger, and Max Fried, Boone demonstrated his ability to adapt and lead the team to victories.The front office is now tasked with evaluating whether Boone remains the best option compared to potential managerial candidates. Speculation has arisen around Alex Cora’s possible return, especially after he turned down the Phillies’ position and is not anticipated to manage this season. However, whether the Yankees were among the teams Cora declined remains an open question.Why Didn’t They Fire Boone?Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesAaron Boone is here because he is a player-first manager. He protects his players and stands up for them when the media tries to drag a headline. Boone stands up for his players and gets his team to the playoffs despite their roster construction.The roster is hard to navigate when your team is lefty-dependent, and you have four DHs, including Aaron Judge, Ben Rice, Luis Garcia Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton. Brian Cashman needs to do better with this roster.MORE: 2026 World Series will be just second of its kind in past 100 yearsSame results, same manager?Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) before the game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn ImagesChange is essential for this franchise to thrive. Fans are frustrated with the decision to retain GM Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone in the clubhouse. Without a shift in approach, this team will struggle with fundamental skills, as they continue to repeat past mistakes.Investing $300 million in payroll does not guarantee success, as they could still face early exits in the ALDS or ALCS. Embracing change is crucial; if the plan is to keep Boone simply because he has one year left on his contract, fans should brace for another disappointing playoff performance from the New York Yankees.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —