Yankees GM accepts apology from Brewers manager
Brian Cashman said he appreciated Pat Murphy reaching out to clear the air after a profane comment on the field during the World Series.
By Grace Almasi ·
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman accepted an apology from Milwaukee Brewers manager Pat Murphy on Tuesday. The exchange followed a heated moment on the field last month when Murphy criticized the culture of the 2023 Yankees team. Cashman spoke at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas to confirm that the two had resolved the matter.
The incident occurred immediately after the Brewers defeated Tampa Bay in Game 5 of the World Series on Oct. 28. During the celebration, Murphy used a profanity while referring to the Yankees. He specifically addressed first baseman Jake Bauers, who had likely signed a large free agent contract that offseason. Murphy urged Bauers to remember his time on the 2023 Yankees, a squad that finished 82-80 and missed the playoffs, and contrast it with his recent success in Milwaukee.
Cashman praised Murphy for taking the initiative to track down the Yankees to apologize. The Yankees GM noted that Murphy regretted being caught on a live microphone during what he described as one of the greatest moments of his life. Cashman said the gesture meant a lot to him and that Murphy explained he uses such comments to motivate his players. Murphy, who won the NL Manager of the Year award Tuesday night, said Cashman was gracious and kind during their conversation.
Murphy clarified that he did not intend to target the Yankees specifically. He described the remark as a reference to a large market team that signs established players to long-term deals. The manager stated he could have named the Dodgers or the Giants instead. Murphy became the first manager in either league to win the award three seasons in a row.
The Yankees were swept by Tampa Bay in the AL Division Series this fall. New York has not won a World Series since its 26th title in 2009. Cashman, entering his 30th season in charge of baseball operations, acknowledged the frustration of the fan base during the title drought. He said the team is constantly motivated by the desire to improve and that a new contract has been finalized, though he did not reveal its length.
In other news, Cashman announced that left-hander Max Fried had surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow. Fried, a three-time All-Star, finished the season 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA. He will undergo six weeks of rest and rehabilitation before starting a throwing program in December. Cashman also addressed comments from former catcher Jorge Posada, who said the team made him feel unwelcome. Cashman said Posada is welcome to engage and that both sides share the goal of making the team great.
