Aaron Boone Reveals a Problem With the Yankees' Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 28, 2025 2:03 PM ET

Aaron Boone has a good problem, at least in theory.

He has Giancarlo Stanton back in the lineup, Paul Goldschmidt finding his rhythm, Ben Rice earning more at-bats by the day, and Trent Grisham providing elite defense. The issue? Only nine spots in a batting order. And lately, there hasn’t been room for everyone.

“Sometimes it’s a bit of a challenge,” Boone admitted Saturday. “You want a guy or two in there that deserve to be in there… just trying to look at today’s matchup, the day games, who we’ve got next, how the week lines up.”

On Saturday, Grisham and Rice were the odd men out. It might be someone else Sunday. Boone said the return of Stanton created a new wrinkle, affecting what he called “the six guys” who are now rotating through five spots on any given day. That’s not including automatic starters like Aaron Judge or Anthony Volpe.

Stanton is just getting going again, hitting .267 with a .653 OPS in 30 at-bats since coming off the IL. Ben Rice has made a case to stay in the mix, belting 14 homers with an .806 OPS in his first real look at big-league pitching. Paul Goldschmidt, meanwhile, has quietly become one of the team’s steadiest bats—he’s hitting .286 with eight homers and a .775 OPS. And Trent Grisham has forced his way into the conversation with 15 home runs and an .818 OPS.

They are all productive hitters in their own right. Boone has to find the best way to keep them sharp and give everyone their best chance.

To get ahead of frustration, Boone said he brought the group together recently for a conversation. “Just to make sure we’re all on the same page,” he said. “Doesn’t mean it’s perfect every day. Doesn’t mean every guy likes it every day. But… there is a selflessness to it. And we just want to win.

“There’s a pretty good rhythm to it,” Boone said. “We’re just trying to keep guys fresh, keep them involved—and keep winning.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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