THE BRONX — Aaron Boone stood in the middle of a police precinct on Friday, handing out toys and food to families during the holiday season. But his words carried a different kind of gift for Yankees fans starving for something, anything, to feel good about.
When asked about the growing list of former Yankees now wearing Mets blue, Boone flashed a grin and delivered a playful jab that said more than he probably intended.
“Not quite The Bronx,” Boone said with a laugh.
Five words. That is all it took to capture the tension simmering beneath the surface of an offseason that has gone sideways for the Yankees.
The exodus keeps growing across town
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Luke Weaver became the latest former Yankee to sign with the Mets this week. He agreed to a two-year, $22 million deal. The 32-year-old right-hander joins Devin Williams, who signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Mets earlier this month.
The list does not stop there. Juan Soto left the Yankees for the Mets last offseason in what felt like a gut punch to the Bronx faithful. Manager Carlos Mendoza, a former Yankees bench coach, runs the show in Queens.
The first Subway Series of 2026 is shaping up to be a family reunion of sorts. Just not the kind Yankees fans wanted.
Boone offers praise for Weaver despite sting of departure
Boone said he texted Weaver on Thursday after the deal became official. The manager praised the reliever who transformed from a journeyman into a high-leverage weapon during his time in the Bronx.
“Happy for him that he got a really good deal that he’s earned,” Boone said. “Threw a lot of really big games and productive games for us over the last couple years.”
"Not quite the Bronx!"
Aaron Boone had a little chuckle when asked about the Mets signing so many former Yankees recently. pic.twitter.com/3coR4RI0DQ
Weaver was a revelation for the Yankees. He supplanted Holmes as closer late in 2024 and helped the team reach the World Series. He posted a 2.89 ERA that season and a 1.76 ERA in four postseason appearances.
The 2025 campaign proved rockier. Weaver started hot with a 1.05 ERA through 24 games before a hamstring injury derailed his season. He returned too soon and finished with a 5.31 ERA over his final 40 appearances.
“When we got him, it seemed like not a big move at the time, in ’23, late in that season,” Boone said. “To turn into the reliever and the role he ended up having for us the next two seasons, credit to him for going out there and making a little alter to his career and it paying dividends for him.”
Yankees stay quiet while Bellinger market heats up
The Yankees have been one of the quietest teams in baseball this offseason. Rule 5 pick Cade Winquest remains their only external addition to the major league roster.
Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger sits unsigned. The former NL MVP thrived in the Bronx during his lone season with the team. He hit .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs. He posted a 4.9 fWAR, his best mark since his MVP campaign in 2019.
Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, reportedly wants $400 million over eight years. ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel projects him closer to five years and $170 million. The gap between ask and expectation remains wide.
Boone said he plans to reach out to Bellinger over the holidays but has not played an active role in recruiting him back.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden reported this week that the Yankees, Mets and Dodgers are the three most likely landing spots for Bellinger. He listed them in that order, giving Bronx fans a sliver of hope.
Jazz Chisholm trade rumors add uncertainty to roster
AP Photo/Pamela Smith
General manager Brian Cashman admitted at the Winter Meetings that the Yankees are open to “challenge trades.” He also said the lineup is “too left-handed.” Those comments sparked speculation about Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s future.
Boone said he expects Chisholm to remain with the team. But he added a caveat that left the door open.
“You never know what’s going to happen, where teams match up on certain things, but no, I’m planning on him being right in the middle of the lineup,” Boone said.
Boone maintains confidence despite quiet winter
The Yankees finished 94-68 in 2025. They lost to the Blue Jays in the American League Division Series. It marked a step back from their World Series appearance the year before.
Boone said the front office has been “grinding away” even if it does not look that way from the outside.
“I know we have a really good team right now. We have a lot of really good players on our roster,” Boone said. “It’s probably not finished. There’ll be tweaks, I’m sure, up until spring training. So whatever happens, our expectation is that we’re going to be really good.”
Whether Bellinger returns to anchor the outfield or signs elsewhere remains the biggest question facing the franchise. The Mets have already proven they are willing to spend. The Dodgers always lurk as a threat.
For now, Boone can only flash that grin, fire off subtle shots at the crosstown rivals, and wait for his front office to deliver.
The holidays are here. But for Yankees fans, the real gift would be keeping Bellinger in pinstripes while watching their former players struggle in Queens.
