New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has accepted an apology from Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy after the latter accused the Yankees’ 2023 team of having a selfish culture.
Murphy made the controversial comments during Milwaukee’s World Series celebrations last month, shortly after the Brewers defeated Tampa Bay in Game 5 on October 28. Addressing first baseman Jake Bauers, who handed him the ball from the final out, Murphy urged the player to remember the difference between his former team and his current environment.
Cashman has now revealed that Murphy personally contacted the Yankees to express regret over his remarks, explaining that he had used the criticism as a motivational tool for his players.
Pat Murphy apologises for Yankees culture remarks
During the celebrations, Murphy made a reference to Bauers potentially securing a lucrative free-agent contract in the offseason before bringing up his experience with the 2023 Yankees. New York finished that campaign with an 82-80 record and missed the playoffs.
“You guys were all playing for yourself. Just remember, say, ‘This is the way we used to do it,'” Murphy said while addressing Bauers in footage recorded during the celebrations.
Cashman revealed that the Brewers manager reached out despite being caught up in one of the biggest moments of his career.
“He took the time on the greatest – within 12 hours, arguably some of the greatest times that he’s had walking this planet Earth outside of the birth of his kids – to realise that he said something that he regretted, that he’s caught on a live mike,” Cashman said at the general manager’s meetings on Tuesday.
The Yankees executive appreciated Murphy’s decision to make contact and offer an explanation. He added that the Milwaukee manager had described how he used different methods to motivate his players.
Brian Cashman responds to Yankees title drought
Murphy’s comments came after Milwaukee secured the World Series title, while the Yankees continue to wait for another championship. New York was swept by Tampa Bay in the American League Division Series and has not lifted the trophy since winning its 26th title in 2009.
Cashman acknowledged that the organisation’s history creates expectations that are not always easy to meet.
He recalled how the Miami Marlins had placed the Yankees’ logo on their World Series rings after defeating New York in the championship series.
“We have a history of success that we’re always trying to live up to,” Cashman explained.
The general manager also recognised the frustration among Yankees supporters, admitting that he understands why criticism grows louder whenever another season ends without a title. However, he insisted that the pressure from fans and the media provides more than enough motivation.
Cashman described the constant expectations surrounding the organisation as an ongoing source of pressure, while also pointing out that much of the frustration comes from supporters wanting the team to improve.
Max Fried undergoes elbow surgery
Cashman also provided an update on Max Fried, confirming that the Yankees’ left-handed batter had undergone surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow.
The procedure was added late, with the pitcher now expected to spend six weeks resting and recovering before beginning a throwing programme around the second week of December.
The Yankees anticipate that Fried will be ready for spring training. The three-time All-Star, who turns 33 in January, recorded a 5-5 record with a 2.80 ERA across 20 starts.
His season had already been interrupted by a left elbow bone bruise, which kept him out of action between May 15 and July 22, as well as from August 13 to 29.
Cashman addresses Jorge Posada’s criticism
Cashman also discussed comments made by former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who recently claimed during a podcast appearance with New York Post reporters that the organisation had made him feel unwelcome.
The general manager said he was surprised by Posada’s remarks but stressed that former players remain welcome to maintain contact with the club.
Cashman confirmed that he had spoken with Posada, adding that both sides share the same desire to see the Yankees return to their former level of success.
“Jorge wants us to be great. We want to be great. And unfortunately we haven’t been – we’ve been good, but we haven’t been great,” Cashman said.
The Yankees executive also confirmed that his new contract had been finalised as he prepares to enter his 30th season overseeing the club’s baseball operations. However, he declined to disclose the length of the agreement.