Once again, the mental side of baseball came back to bite the New York Yankees. Two years after a series of miscues led to the Yankees' World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, those same types of mistakes directly led to an AL Division Series (ALDS) Game 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.
Four errors, including three in a first inning that directly led to the Rays taking a 1-0 lead, put the Yankees behind the eight ball once again. The first-inning culprits were third baseman Ryan McMahon, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., and catcher Austin Wells, while shortstop George Lombard Jr.'s errant throw later in Game 2 did not help the Bronx Bombers' cause.
Manager Aaron Boone is currently in his ninth season as the Yankees manager. He's the longest-tenured bench boss in franchise history without a World Series title. A team that prides itself on the record 27 world championships it's won has been without a Fall Classic victory since 2009, when they defeated the Philadelphia Phillies. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have won multiple division titles and clinched playoff berths in almost every season since their last trophy. Will their Game 2 play carry over into Wednesday's do-or-die Game 3?
Austin Wells' tough 2026 campaign continues
Since a starring turn in the Yankees' 2024 World Series run, Wells has regressed. The former first-rounder has been a strong defender, but his bat has dropped off since his days hitting cleanup in Boone's lineup configurations. This year, Wells followed a strong World Baseball Classic run with a rough 2026 regular season. In 122 games, the 27-year-old hit just .186 with 14 home runs and 32 RBIs. His 1.1 WAR was better than last year's net zero mark, but most of his value was defensive.
Yet his defense cost the Yankees on Monday night. A catcher's interference call in the opening frame led to ace Cam Schlittler's strikeout of Rays catcher Liam Hicks for the second out being overturned. Although that didn't lead to a run, it was still costly for New York in a number of ways. Especially when it comes to Schlittler, the sophomore flamethrower who is favored to win the AL Cy Young award. If the Bombers hope to capture Game 3, they need Wells to be more like the pivot who helped lead the club to the Fall Classic two years ago.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s head-scratching decision-making rears ugly head
Before the 2026 campaign, Chisholm Jr. reportedly was seeking a multi-year deal next offseason, shooting for a $35 million AAV. However, based on his play with the Yankees this season, it would be surprising if he received that type of salary. In 137 games, the 28-year-old hit .231 with 19 home runs and 55 RBI, to go along with 41 stolen bases. While it was a solid season, it might not be one with the AAV he's looking for this offseason.
Article Continues BelowDespite those offensive numbers, Chisholm Jr. has made a few head-scratching decisions this season. Once again, his decision-making backfired when the Yankees needed it most. An errant throw to first base, in which Chisholm Jr. made an absolutely wild, spinning effort, directly led to the Rays taking a 1-0 lead. It was an advantage they'd never relinquish. Post-game, Chisholm Jr. stated it was a throw he'd make again. Will his defense once again lead to heartache for Yankees fans Wednesday evening?
Is it time for Aaron Boone to go?
If the Yankees cannot capture Game 3, their season will be over. It will be the second straight campaign in which they've lost to a division rival in the ALDS. Last year, New York captured Game 3 before falling in Game 4 to the Toronto Blue Jays to drop their Division Series tilt 3-1. If that same result occurs against the Rays, would GM Brian Cashman finally show Boone the door?
Somehow, it feels unlikely. The veteran manager has great rapport with the roster. However, something has to give. The Yankees' defense continues to come up short at key times. Injuries have hampered the roster, as back-to-back AL MVP Aaron Judge has been out the majority of the season with various ailments. Yet it's been the same story with New York for years now. Firing Boone would send a strong message to the Bombers roster. Would Cashman and/or owner Hal Steinbrenner elect to make a change ahead of an offseason filled with uncertainty? If the Yankees bow out of October early once again, anything should be on the table.