While the New York Yankees are well above .500, there is still little doubt that Aaron Boone's seat is always a hot one in the Bronx.
With that in mind, we have discussed potential replacements for Boone in another article. However, not all of the names on that list had worn the pinstripes in the past. So, for this article's purposes, let's narrow down potential candidates for Boone's position (should the Yankees move on from him) to those who have actually played for the Yankees in the past.
Mattingly has plenty of managerial experience, guiding the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins for a total of 12 seasons (compiling an 889-950 record during that time), but he's never taken the wheels of the franchise in the Bronx. He certainly knows what it takes to succeed for the Yankees, having played 14 seasons in pinstripes and winning nine Gold Gloves and the American League MVP award in 1985, so that's a plus as well.
Combine all of that together and Mattingly, currently serving as the bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays, certainly would be a deserving candidate to take over for Boone.
Like Mattingly, Girardi has plenty of managerial experience, including 10 years as the manager of the Yankees between 2008-2017. He guided the Yankees to their last World Series title in 2009, so could bringing him back rekindle some of that Fall Classic magic in the Bronx?
Girardi finished 200 games over .500 (910-710) during his time managing the Yankees, so it's clear he's found success in the pressure cooker that is the New York managing gig. In his four seasons managing outside of New York (Florida and Philadelphia), Girardi wasn't as successful, so maybe there's something about wearing the pinstripes that brings out the best in him from a leadership standpoint as well.
There is plenty of experience here, both as a manager and as a player (Girardi played four seasons in New York between 1996-99). Girardi has also expressed an interest in becoming a manager again, so could there be some synergy building toward a reunion?
OK, this one may be a little out there, but hang with me on the thought process here.
Cone pitched for six seasons with the Yankees, covering one of New York's most dominating times on the field in recent years (winning World Series in four of five seasons between 1996 and 2000). He's also pitched seven seasons in Queens with the Mets and won a World Series ring with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992, so he checks all of the boxes when it comes to being able to perform under pressure.
Sure, all of that is as a player, and Cone has no Major League coaching or managing experience. He has applied to be the Yankees pitching coach but was told he didn't have the necessary experience (a stunning thought, to be honest), so there may be some hesitation with him jumping straight into the manager's seat. But think about how quickly Cone adapted to his role as a baseball commentator and the accolades he has received for what he has brought to the booth (as well as how he mixes his knowledge as a player with the analytical side of the game as well).
Could he adapt just as quickly to being a manager, given all of his experience on the mound?
Aaron Boone didn't have any experience on the bench when he was hired to lead the Yankees, so it's not a completely out-of-the-box idea.