New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has been outspoken in defense of his players following their loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 World Series.
Multiple members of the 2024 Yankees have already criticized the Dodgers for what they viewed as trash talk. In particular, Boone seemed to take offense to comments made by Chris Taylor during an episode of Mookie Betts’ podcast that was recorded after the Dodgers’ World Series parade and subsequent event at Dodger Stadium.
Boone also admitted that he was slightly bothered by comments made by Joe Kelly, who called the World Series “a mismatch from the get-go” among other things.
During his first interview of Spring Training, Boone called out what he saw as a lack of class from some members of the Dodgers during their victory lap over the offseason, according to Chris Kirschner of the Athletic:
“I don’t like hearing that,” Boone said. “But the reality is, we didn’t play our best in the series, and they won. They have that right to say whatever. Hopefully, we’re in that position next year and handle things with a little more class. The reality is, that’s a great team and a great organization with a lot of great people I happen to know and respect, too. A few people sounding off isn’t necessarily how I would want to draw it up, but they’re the champs. They have that right.”
Former Yankees infielder Jon Berti shared the same sentiment as Boone, and explained why he felt the Yankees were being “disrespected” by the Dodgers following their World Series matchup.
In various interviews throughout the offseason, specific members of the Dodgers took aim at the Yankees’ deficiencies in defense and base running throughout the series. The sentiment is not untrue, as the Yankees had five errors in the series, three of which came in Game 5 alone. And the Yankees’ consistent poor play had profound impact on the outcome of the series.
But it seems that the constant kicking while the Yankees were down is where the issue lies in Berti’s eyes.
The Dodgers and Yankees will meet for the first time since the World Series on May 30 at Dodger Stadium. It will be the first of a three-game series, and the only time these two teams will meet in the regular season this year.
Yankees owner criticizes Dodgers spending
The Dodgers are heading into the 2025 season with a payroll that could top $370 million. Their most recent offseasons have accumulated some of MLB’s best talent, extending their reach into Japan and South Korea.
With the Dodgers having added more than $1.5 billion in payroll, front office executives from other teams have started to criticize and cry foul of the lavish spending. Most of the ire has centered around the Dodgers’ use of deferred salary in player contracts.
When appearing on the YES Network with Meredith Marakovits, Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner added onto the narrative that other owners can’t get their teams to compete with the Dodgers financially.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
