Yankees Owner Blames Players for ALDS Exit
Hal Steinbrenner states the roster did not meet expectations in the postseason.
New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner has placed the blame for the team's American League Division Series (ALDS) sweep on the players, stating they "didn’t live up to their end of the bargain in the playoffs." These comments mark Steinbrenner's first public remarks since the Yankees were eliminated by the Tampa Bay Rays.
Steinbrenner's remarks followed a press conference where he expressed praise for general manager Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone. He described the roster assembled by Cashman as competitive at the start of the season and capable of winning a World Series. Steinbrenner also commended Boone for his management throughout the season, particularly in navigating injuries within the pitching rotation and a bullpen that he characterized as "absolutely exhausted" by the season's end.
Despite these positive assessments of his management and front office, Steinbrenner directed criticism towards the 26-man roster for their performance in the postseason. The Yankees' offense struggled significantly against the Rays' pitching in the ALDS, batting .130/.192/.239 with only two home runs and five total runs scored. Pitchers for the Yankees recorded a 2.52 ERA during the series, but key starters like Gerrit Cole, Cam Schlittler, and Max Fried each took losses.
When questioned about the franchise's long-standing championship drought and whether the "World Series or bust" mentality still applies, Steinbrenner affirmed that it remains the team's objective.