Yankees and Blue Jays Share End-of-Season Records
ORLANDO, Fla. — The Yankees and Blue Jays wrapped up the season with identical records of 94-68. Interestingly, throughout the ALDS and most of their regular-season matchups, the Blue Jays bested the Yankees several times, showing early on they were a force to be reckoned with in the American League.
However, manager Aaron Boone hinted that the perceived divide between these two teams might not be as vast as it seems. “We ended up with the same record last year,” he stated during the winter meetings. “I don’t want to gloss over the fact that they really dominated us last season. But I think the gap isn’t as big as one might assume.” He acknowledged the Blue Jays were a strong team, coming close to a championship.
Boone added, “They certainly showed they’re the better team this year. Hopefully, we can shrink that gap and move past them and other contenders.”
The Blue Jays finished the season against the Yankees with an 8-5 advantage in their series, clinched the American League East tiebreaker, secured a bye into the ALDS, and outscored the Yankees 34-19 in their matchups.
When pressed about how the Yankees could catch up, Boone’s response was straightforward: “We just need to perform better against them.” He reflected on how the Yankees struggled in critical games during the summer, highlighting a tough four-game sweep they endured, which had significant negative repercussions for their season.
This offseason, the Yankees have taken some quieter steps, like Trent Grisham accepting a qualifying offer and Tim Hill’s club option being picked up, along with Ryan Yarbrough re-signing. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays have made more noise by signing Dylan Cies and potentially bringing in a big player like Kyle Tucker.
General Manager Brian Cashman remarked, “They’re the defending American League champions now. We need to find a way to reclaim that title and also outshine the rest of the league.”
On another note, Boone was asked about pitcher Sonny Gray’s recent comments regarding joining the Red Sox and how it intensified his feelings toward the Yankees. Boone chuckled, saying, “He’s in Boston now; he’s probably not going to like us regardless. But I’ve always had a good relationship with Sonny. If he stirs the rivalry a bit, that’s not a bad thing.”
Though Boone expressed surprise at the depth of Gray’s remarks, Cashman recalled how he was acquired during the 2017 trade deadline because Gray had been vocal about wanting to be a Yankee.
Gray’s time with the Yankees was somewhat tumultuous, especially during Boone’s first managerial season. It wasn’t until after the trade deadline in 2018 that Gray expressed his discomfort with living in New York. Boone reflected, “I know it wasn’t the best situation for him, but it was a significant chapter in his career.”
Shifting gears, Boone indicated that Anthony Volpe had been diligently rehabbing his surgically repaired left shoulder at Yankee Stadium before heading to Tampa for further recovery, stating, “Everything’s going well, and he’s on the right track.”
Additionally, Preston Claiborne, who previously assisted as a pitching coach, will transition to the bullpen, taking over for Mike Harkey, whose contract has not been renewed.
