Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series means the New York Yankees have gone 16 years since winning the World Series, which is quite the drought for a franchise with 27 championship rings.

But manager Aaron Boone believes the next breakthrough is still ahead.

“I’m confident we’ll break through,” he told reporters (5:35 mark). “I have been every year. And I believe in so many of the people in that room. That hasn’t changed. The fire hasn’t changed. It’s hard to win a World Series.”

Boone’s longevity is notable at this point, as the 2025 campaign was eighth as the Yankees manager. It is a span that includes seven playoff appearances and a spot in last year’s World Series, but he is yet to lead the team to a championship.

That raises natural questions about his future given the championship-or-bust nature of the Yankees as a franchise, but he believes he will still be there in 2026.

“No, I’m under contract,” he said when asked if he had reason to think he won’t return next season (6:10 mark). “So, no, I don’t expect anything.”

The Yankees surely had no plans of losing in the American League Division Series, especially after winning 94 games during the regular season. That was the same amount of wins they had in 2024 when they reached the World Series but fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

But the future is still bright, especially since their starting rotation next season could feature Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Cam Schlittler, among valuable depth options.

That will be difficult to beat if a lineup with Aaron Judge leading the way puts up enough runs.

It’s likely of little solace to Yankees fans following another postseason loss Wednesday, but there is a reason Boone is still confident.