CC Sabathia, Dellin Betances become latest former Yankees to call out declining standard of excellence

In recent years, this time of year has been a somber time when we get tired old platitudes about how the New York Yankees will come back stronger next year. 2026 is different. The playoff futility and early exit at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays hit harder, and it's starting to feel like it could bring about the winds of change.

That's because there's been a slew of former Yankees now coming out and taking the team to task. Anthony Rizzo took aim at Jazz Chisholm Jr. and then made the case that something needs to change in order to stop the insanity of doing the same thing over and over again, year in and year out.

Rizzo had previously spoken with Yanks Go Yard and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at what Aaron Boone's leadership looks like. Now, just a few days later, he might be calling for a change in leadership.

He's not the only former Yankee digging in and pleading for change. Dellin Betances and CC Sabathia joined Chris Young, briefly a Yankees outfielder for part of 2014 and the 2015 season, to discuss the sweep and the state of the franchise. They didn't give us the same old bland soundbites that we're used to hearing after a disappointing Yankees defeat. Instead, they questioned whether or not the Yankees' standard of greatness was still in effect.

"It was like there's a standard that's set here, and we didn't meet that standard. No disrespect, but they don't know what that standard is. You know why? Because there's nobody in there that keeping that standard. Once [Brett Gardner] Gardy left, it's been a wrap. When I first came, it was Ron Guidry, Reggie Jackson, Mickey Rivers, Willie Randolph. It was not only the Core Four, it was those guys, too. So, you knew what the standard was because the standard was sitting in the [expletive] room right next to you," an impassioned Sabathia said.

He then reviewed how the more recent Yankees greats, guys like Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Jorge Posada, haven't been around the organization as much as the previous generation's legends were.

He and Betances also discussed the lack of practice time at Tropicana Field, Aaron Boone bending over backwards to defend players, the lack of accountability that brings, other teams mocking them, and a lack of a killer instinct.

A lot was discussed between the trio of players, and their words, especially Sabathia's, should carry a lot of weight. CC's grit and competitive drive are beyond question, so if he's calling out a lack of standards, he should be listened to. You can view the full episode here to hear the whole discussion.

Overall, this hints at several key issues that the franchise must address this offseason.

Aaron Boone is just one of many problems with the infrastructure that has led to the loss of the "Yankees Standard"

There were definitely things that fell on Aaron Boone that were brought to the forefront. Calling out the practice habits at a difficult ballpark to play in like the Trop was particularly salient after the shameful defensive performance we saw in Game 2.

Boone is certainly responsible for enforcing the "Yankees Standard" that Sabathia was discussing, too, but when it comes to the involvement of former players as a means to teach the current crop about the responsibility that comes with wearing pinstripes, the burden falls elsewhere. That's an organizational failure that should hang on Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman.

Cashman is also responsible for the getting the type of players capable of handling the bright lights. He has not always done that, and a perfect recent example is Jazz Chisholm Jr., who proved both via his play and his Game 3 postgame comments that he's better suited seeking employment elsewhere this winter.

This all means that something needs to change. There isn't a better time to turn the page than right now. While both Cashman and Boone are expected back, the opportunity is here to cut bait on both. Cashman's contract expired with New York's elimination.

Boone has one more year on his deal, but absolutely cannot go into 2027 as a lame duck. It will only exacerbate the issues we see all of these former players discussing. Extending would be a misguided attempt to reinforce his authority and would just lead to more of the same.

Do we really think that Hal Steinbrenner would be so bold? No, not at all. The best we can possibly hope for is a change in the skipper's office, and hope that the right choice is made. But at least we can dream that the onslaught of backlash from former players spurs Steinbrenner to enact real change. If he doesn't, he'll prove he's the real problem.

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