Jonathan Papelbon on the Yankees World Series disaster

Jonathan Papelbon knows what it takes to become a World Series champion, and he isn't too surprised that the 2024 New York Yankees didn't get the job done.

Papelbon joined OutKicks “Hot Mic” show on Thursday to discuss what went wrong with the Yankees and what he would have done differently. And there were plenty.

One of the biggest problems Papelbon had with New York's strategy was that they continued to pitch to the Los Angeles Dodgers' star first baseman, Freddie Freeman. Even after Freeman repeatedly proved he was the hottest, most dangerous hitter on the Dodgers roster. Papelbon compared it to Barry Bonds, stating that when such a talented hitter is so hot, it's worth hoping for the best by throwing nothing but pitches off the plate to get him to chase.

Conversely, Papelbon spoke about the issues with Yankees slugger Aaron Judge and how quickly labels can be placed on players who don't live up to expectations in the playoffs. For Papelbon, the “labeling” for Judge has already begun given the expectations the city and organization have for postseason success.

Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

He also stated that he believes the pitch clock, while it has its uses, should be removed in the playoffs. Instead of focusing on speeding up the game, baseball should allow the drama and intensity to build. The difficulties of dealing with the pitch clock on the mound actually came to fruition in the fifth game. Yankees reliever Luke Weaver was clearly fighting his lead in the ninth inning, absentmindedly throwing the ball to first base three times in the same inning to buy himself time and avoid an automatic ball.

Instead, he gave the Dodgers a free base with a balk.

On the other hand, Walker Buehler finished the game and the series on the mound for Los Angeles, a feeling Papelbon knows. When asked about his final pitch to close the 2007 World Series over the Colorado Rockies, Papelbon said you can't really explain it, but even your own childhood flashes before you.

Buehler's reaction, pure intensity, satisfaction and accomplishment, will last forever. When you record the finale, you become part of baseball history. Likewise, the Yankees' defensive mistakes in New York will forever be remembered.