A right shoulder injury prevented Joe Kelly from pitching during the 2024 postseason, but he continued to travel with the Los Angeles Dodgers throughout October and has been plenty vocal since the team won their eighth World Series in franchise history.
Kelly most notably took aim at the New York Yankees and revealed the Dodgers placed an emphasis on forcing them to make outs on balls in play. The right-hander also expressed a belief that the Yankees at best would be ranked eighth among all 2024 postseason teams.
When asked about Kelly’s comments, Yankees manager Aaron Boone admitted he was slightly bothered by them but noted the bigger fact comes with falling short in the World Series, via SNY
“I mean, a little bit. But you know, the bottom line is we didn’t play as well as we could’ve and obviously especially had a tough inning in Game 5. So that’s the ultimate disappointment. I try never to get too caught up in what other people are saying or doing. Especially when it comes from certain places. Everyone is going to have their opinions and be entitled to things. Certainly, I am very proud of what we do as a group.”
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman recently shared a similar stance while also noting he spoke with others inside the Dodgers organization.
Cashman said he believed Kelly’s views were a minority opinion within the Dodgers and that he felt they were “a little personal.”
Kelly historically is not one to be reserved when asked for an opinion, but another factor in his blunt assessment of the Yankees could be that he was a member of the rival Boston Red Sox from 2014-2018.
Aaron Boone’s Yankees contract
The Yankees exercised their contract option on Boone to remain manager for the 2025 season, which will be his eighth at the helm.
“I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead this team. It’s a responsibility – and an opportunity – that I will never take lightly,” Boone said in a statement.
“It’s a great privilege to show up for work every day and be surrounded by so many determined and talented players, coaches and staff members. Starting with Steinbrenner family, there is a collective commitment to excellence within this organization that is embedded in all that we do.
“I’m already looking forward to reporting for spring training in Tampa and working tirelessly to return the Yankees to the postseason to compete for a World Championship.”
Boone has a 603-429 (.584) managerial record through seven seasons and has led the Yankees to the playoffs in all but one year.
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