"I think Caleb Durbin is a stud" - Yankees manager Aaron Boone says he expects infield prospect to have sizable role for New York in 2025

Following the New York Yankees' loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, manager Aaron Boone was naturally under scrutiny. Despite the team's struggles in the World Series, Boone's contract option was picked up by the Yankees, keeping him in charge of the team at least till 2025.

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman will have eyes on him all offseason as the team needs to re-tool and potentially re-sign Juan Soto. That being said, Aaron Boone's approach and adjustments heading into 2025 will also be monitored by experts and the team's passionate fan base.

While the New York Yankees lineup will look different next season, Boone has already mentioned one of the team's young players as a potential weapon for them in 2025.

In an interview with SNY, the veteran manager shared his thoughts on infielder Caleb Durbin, someone, he believes, could play a significant role for the team next season.

"I think he's a stud, great bat-to-ball, elite ability on the bases as a base stealer, good defender in the middle of the diamond at second base," Boone said of Durbin's impression on him during Spring Training.

The New York Yankees have several veterans who could depart in free agency, including Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres. This could help open the door for playing time for Caleb Durbin.

Although he has spent the majority of his time at second base, Boone explained that Durbin has been working on his defensive versatility.

"He's really started over the last year plus to create some position flexibility too. He's played some short, he's played some third. We introduced him to some outfield this year, all with the mind that this guy's going to be a big-league player ... I'm excited about him, I think he's going to play a big role for us this upcoming season," Aaron Boone continued.

Last season, Caleb Durbin posted a solid .275 batting average with 10 home runs, 60 RBIs, 31 stolen bases and a .839 OPS across 90 minor league games. Given the team's potential roster shakeup, Durbin is certainly an intriguing internal option heading into 2025.

Aaron Boone has pushed back at criticism of team's defense following World Series collapse

While Boone has been a polarizing manager during his tenure with the club, there is no denying that he defends his players. Following criticism of the team's mental and defensive mistakes from fans and even Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly, Boone stood up for his players.

Despite the costly errors from the likes of Aaron Judge, Anthony Volpe, Anthony Rizzo and Gerrit Cole, Boone explained how the team has played strong defense all season.

While this may be the case at times, the fact that these lapses occurred in the final game of the World Series is something that will stick with fans and the players themselves.