New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone isn’t dodging the truth — his pitching staff is handing out too many free passes. In his latest appearance on the Talkin’ Yanks podcast, Boone acknowledged the team’s early-season control issues, citing an average of 4.5 walks per game.
“We’ve got to be better than that,” Boone said. “It’s probably more nuanced than just saying ‘throw strikes,’ but at the end of the day, we need to do a better job in that area.”
Boone explained that the issue isn’t as simple as attacking the zone. The Yankees’ pitching staff is built on variety — not velocity. While the group generates a fair amount of swing-and-miss, they don’t feature many overpowering arms. That puts pressure on execution.
“We have a lot of guys this year with different looks — pitchers who can get swing-and-miss but don’t necessarily have dominant fastballs,” Boone said. “That makes execution all the more important.”
Winning the count starts with strike one
A major part of the solution, Boone says, begins with strike one. Getting ahead in the count allows pitchers to control the tempo, change eye levels, and avoid the kind of deep counts that lead to trouble.
“Over the long haul, getting ahead sets you up for success,” he said. “You’re in a better position to get swing-and-miss or weak contact. Count leverage is huge.”
Boone added that the Yankees haven’t been poor in first-pitch strikes, but tightening up across the board could make a big difference — especially as hitters become more patient.
Carlos Rodon has the stuff — now he needs the command
Among the most notable offenders is Carlos Rodon, who currently leads MLB in walks. Still, Boone defended his left-hander, pointing out that the overall quality of Rodon’s outings has often been overshadowed by one or two costly pitches.
“In a lot of ways, Carlos has been dominant — except for two or three pitches in a game that have led to damage,” Boone said. “The walks are where he needs to move the needle, but overall, he’s throwing the ball really well.”
Boone believes Rodon took a step forward mentally last postseason, showing better command of his emotions. Now the goal is eliminating those moments where a walk turns into a rally.
The Yankees’ walk issues are no longer just an internal concern — they’re being discussed in opposing clubhouses. Boone acknowledged that patient approaches are part of the strategy opponents are now deploying.
“When you’re known for giving up walks, hitters are going to adjust. They’re going to wait you out,” he said. “It’s not just about one pitcher; it becomes a team reputation. And that’s something we have to reverse.”
Part of the issue, Boone hinted, might come down to personnel. Marcus Stroman, now on the injured list, was walking nearly seven batters per nine innings. Young arms like Will Warren are still getting acclimated. And even reliable relievers have had occasional command lapses.
Still, Boone is confident the Yankees can clean it up.
“We’ve got good arms. It’s about refining their approaches and executing when it matters most,” he said. “I think once we settle in as a staff, we’ll see a turnaround.”
Despite the elevated walk numbers, the Yankees continue to find ways to win. The offense has produced in key moments, the defense has stepped up, and the team remains in a strong position in the standings. But Boone knows the walks can’t be ignored forever.
“It’s something we’re taking seriously,” he said. “If we clean that up, I think we’re in a really strong position to go where we want to go.”
With the long grind of the season ahead, Boone is betting that a more disciplined approach on the mound will help the Yankees tighten up one of their most pressing issues — and keep their October plans intact.
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