BREAKING: Is Aaron Boone’s ‘Grady Little Moment’ in the World Series the Final Straw for the Yankees?

Aaron Boone

Did New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone just have his “Grady Little moment”?

Two outs from winning Game 1 of the World Series 3-2 on Friday night, Boone turned to left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes, who hadn‘t pitched in 37 days, to save the game by facing the top of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ order.

It failed miserably — and could raise uncomfortable questions about Boone’s job security if the Yankees do not win the World Series.

Although Cortes got Shohei Ohtani to fly out in foul territory for the second out, the Yankees walked Mookie Betts to load the bases to pitch to Freddie Freeman, who proceeded to launch a walk-off grand slam. Dodgers 6, Yankees 3 in 10 innings.

On Thursday‘s ESPN “Baseball Tonight” podcast, MLB insider Buster Olney was asked which manager, Boone or the Dodgers’ Dave Roberts, was more “vulnerable” in terms of his job security. While Olney thought both were safe and would get extensions in the offseason, he left one caveat — the type that played out Friday.

“I think they are equally vulnerable,” Olney said. “It sounds like a cop-out but I think they are in a really great position now that they‘ve reached the World Series. … The Yankees getting back to World Series for the first time since 2009.

“(But) I do think that if there‘s a Grady Little moment. Like if there’s one major decision in a big spot that turns out to be decisive, that fuels talk radio, especially for Aaron Boone. Then, yeah, potentially that manager could be more vulnerable.”

Boone turned to Cortes, who last pitched Sept. 18, over Tim Hill, a funky left-handed reliever with a 3.36 ERA in the regular season and one earned run allowed in 5 2/3 innings in the postseason. Additionally, he was a player who at least had been pitching in competitive games, unlike Cortes who was resting and rehabbing his flexor tendon strain (which will likely require surgery) over the past month-plus.

In Game 7 of the 2003 AL Championship Series, former Boston Red Sox manager Grady Little kept in Pedro Martinez in the eighth inning against the Yankees with a 5-2 lead. Five batters later, the score was 5-5 and the Yankees would win via an 11th-inning Boone home run to knock out Boston, ultimately losing to the Marlins in the World Series.

The decision that drew heavy criticism was keeping Martinez in at 115 pitches with one batter on and left-handed slugger Hideki Matsui up, five outs from advancing to the World Series. The score was 5-3. Little could have called on lefty Alan Embree. Instead, Matsui hit a double and Jorge Posada doubled to score two more. The rest, as they say, was history.

Little was fired less than two weeks later, though the Red Sox say his insistence on a multi-year deal played a factor.

Related Posts

Trade Report: A bold trade prediction is making waves in Atlanta. The Braves are projected to part with a $7 million fan favorite and a top prospect in exchange for a $131 million veteran from the Blue Jays — a move that could dramatically reshape their championship window, but not without serious risk.

Braves Miss Out on Freddy Peralta, Could Jose Berrios Be the Next Pivot? The Atlanta Braves entered the offseason with a clear objective: add a proven starting…

💥 LEGENDARY COMPASSION: Dodgers icon Sandy Koufax has stunned the baseball world by auctioning off a seven point five million dollar Hall of Fame artifact to raise critical funds for the homeless community in Los Angeles, creating one of the most heartfelt moments the sport has seen in decades. Insiders say the gesture reflects a lifetime of humility and character that defined Koufax long before Cooperstown enshrined him. The emotional impact of his decision is spreading rapidly as fans celebrate a legend whose greatness now extends far beyond the mound. A powerful chapter of generosity and legacy is unfolding across Los Angeles👇👇👇

  The baseball world was stunned by a decision that left Los Angeles speechless with emotion. Sandy Koufax, the immortal legend of the Dodgers and a rare…

UPDATE: The Twins have made changes to the bullpen, but the picture is still incomplete. Despite recent updates and adjustments, Minnesota’s relief corps continues to raise questions — and the missing pieces could once again define how far this team can realistically go.

Taylor Rogers Is a Step Forward, but the Twins’ Bullpen Still Needs Real Answers For much of the offseason, the Minnesota Twins bullpen has felt less like…

Speculation surrounding Pete Alonso and the Orioles highlights the growing expectations in Baltimore. As the organization continues to lean into the “New Oriole Way,” any discussion of a potential pursuit raises deeper questions about philosophy, timing, and how aggressive this front office is prepared to be moving forward. 👇 Orioles Nation, is this the kind of move you want to see?

“You’ll Find Out”: Pete Alonso Teases the ‘New Oriole Way’ as Baltimore Looks Toward Opening Day 2026 With exactly 60 days remaining until Orioles Opening Day, the…

❤️ EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE: John W. Henry has made an extraordinary and deeply heartfelt decision to provide lifetime healthcare for Red Sox legend Jim Rice, a gesture insiders say stands among the most meaningful acts of gratitude in franchise history. The announcement has reignited powerful memories of Rice’s iconic presence, leadership, and the unwavering toughness that helped define Boston baseball for an entire generation. Across MLB, executives, players, and fans alike are moved by the magnitude of Henry’s commitment and what it symbolizes for the sport. A monumental chapter of loyalty and legacy is now being written into the heart of Red Sox history👇👇👇

In a truly groundbreaking and emotional announcement, Boston Red Sox principal owner John W. Henry has committed to providing lifetime healthcare coverage for the franchise’s most beloved living legends,…

Logan Webb Shares Why Teaming Up With Aaron Judge Has Him Fired Up

IMAGE: San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (62) throws against the Colorado Rockies in the fifth inning at Oracle Park. / Eakin Howard / Imagn Images…