Cashman Accepts Murphy's Apology for Yankees Remarks
Brewers manager Pat Murphy apologized in person after criticizing the 2023 Yankees during the World Series celebration.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Baseball
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman accepted an apology from Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who had criticized the 2023 Yankees for a selfish culture minutes after Milwaukee won the 2026 World Series. Murphy, who used profanity in his remarks, won NL Manager of the Year for the third consecutive season.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights how competitive rivalries between clubs can spill into public commentary, even after a championship. Murphy said he uses anything he can to motivate his players, underscoring the emotional stakes that shape managerial rhetoric in the sport.
The 2023 Yankees finished 82-80 and failed to reach the postseason, while the club has not won the World Series since 2009. Cashman's new contract was finalized, but its length was not revealed.
The players
Brian Cashman
Cashman is the longtime general manager of the New York Yankees, who oversees the franchise's roster construction and front-office operations.
Pat Murphy
Murphy is the manager of the Milwaukee Brewers, who has earned National League Manager of the Year honors for three consecutive seasons.
The details
Murphy made the remark during the Brewers' on-field celebration after Game 5 over Tampa Bay, referencing first baseman Jake Bauers' likely big-money free agent contract while criticizing the 2023 Yankees. He apologized to Cashman in person, and Cashman accepted the apology at the general managers meetings.
Timeline
2023 season: Yankees finished 82-80 and missed the playoffs.
Oct. 28, 2026: Brewers won Game 5 over Tampa Bay to clinch the World Series, and Murphy made his remarks.
Nov. 10, 2026: Cashman accepted Murphy's apology at the general managers meetings, and Murphy won NL Manager of the Year.
Season Trajectory
The Yankees' 2023 season ended at 82-80 without a playoff berth, extending a championship drought that dates to 2009. Murphy's remarks came as the Brewers claimed the 2026 title, placing the criticism within the broader rivalry-driven narrative of the National League and AL contenders.
Max Fried, who went 5-5 with a 2.80 ERA in 20 starts, is recovering from surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow and is expected to be ready for spring training. Fantasy managers and Yankees followers should monitor his throwing program as a key indicator of his readiness.
The takeaway
Rivalries and motivational rhetoric can flare even in victory, but a prompt, in-person apology can close the loop quickly. Teams and fans alike should watch how such exchanges influence the front office and clubhouse heading into the next season.
What happens next
Max Fried is expected to begin a throwing program in the second week of December 2026 after six weeks of rest and rehab from his elbow bone spur surgery, with the goal of being ready for spring training.
Further reading
For more on the Yankees' recent season and front-office moves, explore our Baseball coverage.
