Could Yankees lose worthy Aaron Boone successor this offseason?

Since 2019, Carlos Mendoza has served as the bench coach for the New York Yankees. He's been with the organization since 2012 in various roles, so he predates manager Aaron Boone and also has much more experience than the embattled Yankees manager.

The 2023 season resulted in the worst full campaign for the Yankees since 1992, yet the organization is ready to run it back with Boone and general manager Brian Cashman. Some might argue Boone isn't the problem, but it's hard to argue against the assertion that he's definitely not the solution. This team has only gotten worse under his watch.

Meanwhile, Mendoza, a bilingual baseball mind and a much more well-spoken figure than Boone, has witnessed the team's downfall from 2020 (the season he officially took over as bench coach) to 2023. What's important to note, however, is that he survived the coaching changes that occurred after the 2021 season, clearly indicating he's valued by the organization.

He's previously interviewed with the Red Sox, Tigers and White Sox over the last few years for their managerial openings, but it's perhaps now reached a point where he might depart, given how everything looks for the Bombers.

If the Yankees aren't going to dismiss Boone and give someone like Mendoza a chance, why wouldn't he leave for the Cleveland Guardians opening? They're reportedly interested in him following Terry Francona's departure.

Could Yankees lose worthy Aaron Boone successor this offseason?

The Yankees already whiffed on Rob Thomson, who was in their dugout for years, when they decided to go with Boone. They didn't pull out all the stops to get Bob Melvin, like the Padres did. They clearly didn't inquire aggressively enough on Bruce Bochy, who the Rangers coaxed out of retirement. The Marlins uncovered promising up-and-comer Skip Schumaker. They didn't.

New York should be concerned about Cleveland's interest for a number of reasons. One of their other reported targets is Kevin Cash, who has tormented the Yankees for years as manager of the Rays. Additionally, the Guardians typically make the correct pick for dugout chief -- they've only had five full-time managers since the 1992 season.

Plus, can we trust the Yankese to fill an all-important bench coach job if he leaves? If insiders think Boone needs all the assistance he can get, then Mendoza leaving would seemingly be a considerable blow.

Just listent to the man speak. He's had to take over as acting manager in the dugout plenty of times following Boone's ejections and he's handled the job with ease. And he's calm, cool and collected while talking to an unforgiving media.

Does Mendoza deserve the job over Boone right now? We're not sure about that. We just don't want to be writing about another Yankees regret if he takes the job in Cleveland and immediately starts out-pacing his former team, which we can see in our mind's eye right now.