Brian Cashman completed his 17th season as the general manager of the New York Yankees and his three-year deal is set to expire. ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Yankees have "begun the process of constructing a new contract" for the 47-year-old.
Many were unsure of Cashman's status following the 2014 season. The Yankees missed the playoffs in 2013 and after a multitude of injuries, were on track to do the same in 2014, which is what ultimately happened. It was the first time since the 1992 and 1993 seasons that New York failed to make the postseason in consecutive years.
But under Cashman's reign, New York has missed the playoffs only three times and appeared in six World Series', winning four of them. The team is just two years removed from an ALCS appearance, in which they lost to the Detroit Tigers. Over the past two seasons, however, the Yankees have looked old and in need of a serious makeover, perhaps beginning with the farm system. And although it remains to be seen if Cashman could be the guy to begin that transformation, he'll be forced to undertake that task in 2015 if the contract negotiations go as planned.
Cashman managed to fill a number of holes in the roster this season when he traded for starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy (7-5 with a 2.89 ERA), called up starter Shane Greene in April (5-4 with a 3.78 ERA), and acquired third baseman Chase Headley, infielder Martin Prado and reliever Esmil Rogers during the season. Prior to the start of 2014, Cashman reeled in catcher Brian McCann, starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka and outfielders Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran via free agency. He also signed outfielder Brett Gardner and manager Joe Girardi to four-year contract extensions and successfully developed Dellin Betances into one of 2014's best relievers.
Despite the fact that the Yankees uncharacteristically missed the postseason in consecutive years, Cashman's relationship with the Steinbrenner's is reportedly strong and at this point it's no surprise the organization wants him back. Earlier this month, an unnamed source told ESPN, "I don't see Cashman as being in any trouble at all, but as far as I know, [Cashman's situation] has not been discussed yet. Those things normally are not addressed until after the season.''
With the current Yankees' roster looking the way it does, it looks as if Cashman's role as GM will be transformed in 2015.
