Overview
- At the winter meetings, Aaron Boone argued the gap is smaller than perceived, noting New York and Toronto both finished 94-68 last season.
- The Blue Jays won the season series 8-5, claimed the AL East tiebreaker for a bye and home field, then outscored the Yankees 34-19 in the ALDS.
- Boone said the simplest fix is to play better head-to-head after acknowledging Toronto “kicked our butt” in key stretches.
- GM Brian Cashman labeled Toronto the defending AL champions and said the Yankees need to take the mantle back.
- New York’s early moves include Trent Grisham’s qualifying offer, Tim Hill’s option and a Ryan Yarbrough deal, plus Preston Claiborne replacing Mike Harkey as bullpen coach, while Anthony Volpe continues shoulder rehab in Tampa.