Aaron Boone faces backlash from Yankees fans over questionable call

Aaron Boone took center stage, but not for the reasons Yankees fans were hoping. In Game 1 of the Wild Card Series against the Red Sox, the manager made a call that shifted the momentum entirely. He pulled Max Fried in the seventh inning—just as the lefty was dealing. Fried had thrown 6.1 scoreless innings, allowed only four hits, struck out six, and looked like he still had fuel in the tank. But Boone handed the ball to Luke Weaver. The result was immediate: Boston rallied and won the game 3–1.

According to FirstSportz, the reaction on social media was brutal. Fans accused Aaron Boone of “dismantling” the team and having “a magic touch for picking the worst possible reliever.” Weaver couldn’t retire a single batter. He gave up a walk, a double, and a single that led to two runs. Boone’s decision was even more scrutinized when compared to Alex Cora’s move to keep Garrett Crochet on the mound into the eighth. Crochet threw 117 pitches and struck out 11, proving that sometimes trust outweighs analytics.

Max Fried goes 6.1 scoreless in his first postseason start as a Yankee pic.twitter.com/aDci3j4ZMc

— Talkin’ Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 30, 2025

The game slipped away

Max Fried, speaking after the game, said he still had “plenty left in the tank” and was ready to keep going if needed. The left-hander had pitched efficiently, even escaping trouble in the fourth and fifth innings. Despite Aaron Boone’s decision, Fried never showed signs of fatigue. His early exit left the Bronx with the feeling that the game was lost on the bench—not on the field.

Masataka Yoshida comes up HUGE off the bench and the Red Sox have their first lead! pic.twitter.com/XDE27dKxAC

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 1, 2025

The Yankees, who entered the series as runners-up in the AL East, are now on the brink. Another loss could end their season and leave the Bronx empty-handed once again. Aaron Boone, who’s faced criticism in past seasons for high-stakes decisions, is under mounting pressure. Game 2 won’t just test the team—it’ll test his leadership.

In October, every move matters. And in the Bronx, every mistake gets magnified. Aaron Boone knows that. But this time, the Yankees’ margin for error is razor-thin. And the clock—like the crowd—is unforgiving.