Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said Brewers manager Pat Murphy’s apology “meant a lot” after Murphy criticized New York’s 2023 team during Milwaukee’s World Series celebration on October 28.
Murphy made the comment minutes after the Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 5 to win the 2026 World Series. He used profane language while referencing the Yankees and told first baseman Jake Bauers — who played for New York in 2023 — to recall his time with the Yankees, who went 82–80 and missed the playoffs, and compare it with his performance in 2026.
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“He took the time — within 12 hours of one of the greatest moments of his life, outside of the birth of his children — to recognize he’d said something regrettable,” Cashman said Tuesday at the MLB general managers meetings in Las Vegas. “He tracked us down to apologize, and that meant a lot.”
Cashman said Murphy explained he uses provocative language to motivate players. Murphy, who won NL Manager of the Year on Tuesday night, called Cashman “very gracious and very kind” during their conversation.
“I didn’t mean to single out the Yankees,” Murphy said. “I was referring to a big-market team that signs established players to long-term contracts. I could have named any number of clubs.”
Cashman noted the Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009. “The Marlins beat us in the World Series, and they put our logo on their ring to mark that victory,” he said. “We carry a legacy of success we’re always trying to match.”
He acknowledged fan frustration is understandable. “Do I get upset? Initially, yes. Do I get motivated? Absolutely,” he said. “Our fans keep us accountable — and that accountability comes from hope and love for this team.”
Cashman confirmed his new contract with the Yankees has been finalized, though he declined to disclose its length. He also responded to former All-Star catcher Jorge Posada’s recent claim on a New York Post podcast that the organization made him feel unwelcome, saying Posada “is welcome” and adding: “Jorge wants us to be great. We want us to be great. We’ve been good — but we haven’t been great.”
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