TAMPA – Aaron Boone went from having to police stubble to having to determine what qualifies as a “well-groomed” beard.

But general manager Brian Cashman offered the Yankees a comparison of what their new beards should not look like after the organization announced on Friday it is changing its longstanding facial hair policy.

“The only information we were offered from Cash is we’re not trying to look like Duck Dynasty,” Gerrit Cole said.

“No diss against Duck Dynasty, grinding in the woods all the time, you don’t really have another option. But that was the only clarification we got so far.”

Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole throws on Feb. 20, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Based on what Cole heard from GM Brian Cashman, the club isn’t looking to mimic the facial hair sported by “Duck Dynasty” stars. AETN/Jim Fiscus

Boone said he would know it when he sees it, while Hal Steinbrenner indicated the Yankees would release their policy for beard upkeep later in the day.

Cole often had a beard when he was pitching for the Pirates and Astros, but said he wouldn’t necessarily go right back to growing one now that he’s allowed to as a Yankee.

“When I got to the big leagues, I wanted to look as old and mature as possible,” Cole said while sporting some scruff.

“Now, maybe on the backside of the aging curve, I like looking younger. You don’t need all the grays showing up.”

As someone who grew up a Yankees fan, Cole said he could appreciate how big of a deal Friday’s announcement was.

“It’s a big deal. I just threw today and no one cares,” he said with a laugh after returning to the clubhouse from throwing a bullpen session.

Gerrit Cole sported facial hair during his time with the Astros. MLB Photos via Getty Images

“Obviously, being a Yankee fan, wanted to emulate everything the Yankees did. So it was kind of cool I was able to shave and be part of that legacy. It’s also really cool at the same time that we’re transitioning to a different legacy, to a certain extent, moving forward.”