Yankees GM Accepts Manager's Apology After World Series Comments
Brian Cashman says Pat Murphy reached out within 12 hours of criticizing New York's culture, while the club prepares for Max Fried's return from surgery.
By Ibrahim Howard ·
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman accepted an apology from Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy following comments made during the World Series celebration last month. Murphy had criticized the 2023 New York roster for playing a selfish game, a remark that drew attention after the Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 on Oct. 28.
During the on-field celebration, Murphy spoke to first baseman Jake Bauers, who was holding the ball from the final out. He referenced Bauers' time with the 2023 Yankees, a team that finished with an 82-80 record and missed the playoffs, urging him to compare that era with his current success. The exchange was captured on video and shared widely by local news outlets.
Cashman said he was grateful that Murphy reached out quickly to clear the air. The manager contacted the Yankees less than 12 hours after the incident. Cashman described the gesture as meaningful, noting that Murphy wanted to ensure the message was received before moving on. The two discussed how Murphy uses specific references to motivate his players during the season.
Murphy won the National League Manager of the Year award on Tuesday, becoming the first manager in either league to win the honor three times in a row. He stated that he did not specifically target the Yankees but rather used them as an example of a large market team with long-term contracts. He said he could have used any major club to make his point about player motivation.
The Yankees were eliminated by Tampa Bay in the American League Division Series this year. The franchise has not won the World Series since 2009, when it claimed its 26th championship. Cashman acknowledged the frustration felt by fans during the title drought, describing the pressure as a constant source of motivation for the front office and players.
Cashman also confirmed that left-hander Max Fried has undergone surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow. The three-time All-Star, who turns 33 in January, posted a 2.80 ERA in 20 starts this season. He is expected to begin a throwing program in the second week of December and should be ready for spring training.
In other personnel news, Cashman addressed comments made by former catcher Jorge Posada on a podcast. Posada suggested the team made him feel unwelcome, a claim Cashman said surprised him. He noted that Posada is always welcome to engage with the front office, adding that the organization shares the former star's desire to return to a higher level of performance.
