Aaron Boone 'Optimistic' About Yankees Contract Extension: 'No Place I'd Rather Be'

Heading into the final season of his current contract, Aaron Boone hopes to land an extension that keeps him in place as manager of the New York Yankees.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Boone said he is "optimistic" about getting a deal done prior to Opening Day.

"No place I’d rather be," he added.

Boone is coming off his most successful season as Yankees manager. He led the team to an AL East title and their first World Series appearance since 2009.

The Yankees exercised Boone's option for 2025 on Nov. 8, but he is currently set to play out the final year of his contract unless the two sides can agree to terms on a new deal.

Boone said on Tuesday he's had some discussions with Yankees chairman Hal Steinbrenner about an extension.

There doesn't seem to be any indication from either side about not wanting to remain together.

Steinbrenner told YES Network's Meredith Marakovits (h/t The Athletic's Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty) last month that they were focused on the roster throughout the offseason after losing Juan Soto in free agency before moving onto Boone's deal.

"I’ve always thought Aaron Boone was a very good manager," Steinbrenner said. "That’s his reputation in the industry. We will be talking to him in the days and weeks to come. Obviously, we’re trying to hit the priorities right now, which is the roster itself. There will be conversations had with him about potentially staying longer than that."

The Yankees hired Boone as their manager in December 2017 after firing Joe Girardi following their ALCS loss to the Houston Astros.

Since taking over as skipper, Boone has led the Bronx Bombers to a 603-429 record with six playoff appearances and three division titles in seven seasons. His win total ranks seventh among all managers in franchise history.