The roster will likely be overhauled as outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham head toward free agency, with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt at the end of his contract as well. And the team seems likely to address the shortstop position, as Anthony Volpe loses his handle on the everyday role.
And while it seems unlikely that the team will cut ties with manager Aaron Boone before next season, a change at skipper should be considered possible.
“Aaron Boone seemingly has his hands on an endless rope, and it’s difficult to tell what degree of flameout would actually result in him losing grip on his current position,” Adam Weinrib wrote for Yanks Go Yard.
But if the Yankees do consider a managerial change, either this winter or in the near future, a former outfielder with the organization could be an option to replace Boone.
“If the job does open up, though, the Yankees would be wise to examine (Shelley) Duncan’s accolades,” Weinrib added. “Don’t say we didn’t give you the heads up if the Boone situation really comes to a head.”
Duncan played for the Yankees across three seasons before joining the Cleveland Guardians and then the Tampa Bay Rays, then starting his coaching career with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s currently the manager of the Yankees’ Triple-A affiliate, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, and recently won Baseball America’s best managerial prospect award for the year.
In addition to playing with the Yankees and managing their minor-league affiliate, Duncan is the son of revered coach Dave Duncan, giving him some additional credentials. So, if the Yankees are considering a Boone replacement, they might not have to look any further than their own Triple-A dugout.
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