New York Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman is no stranger to October baseball.
With the Bombers making their first World Series appearance in 15 years, Cashman is acutely aware that anything short of a championship won’t be enough to satisfy the team’s lofty expectations.
Speaking with Chris Russo on the MLB Network, Cashman reflected on the weight of the moment.
Since starting with the Yankees as an intern in 1986 and becoming GM in 1998, he’s overseen eight American League pennants and five World Series titles.
As the Yankees prepare to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, Cashman knows that bringing home a sixth championship is what will truly define the season.
“The accomplishment of winning a pennant is spectacular in and of itself, but no one is designing anything in their offices, or in the scouting community, or the player development side, or especially the owner’s chair saying, ‘hey I want to win the American League or the National League,” Cashman said.
“The truth is you want to win a world championship because that’s how you’re remembered.”
For Cashman, and for the Yankees organization as a whole, coming up short in the Fall Classic would leave a nasty taste in everyone’s mouths – especially the fans.
“We have high goals, it’s about winning a World Series,” Cashman continued. “Whoever doesn’t win is going to have regrets. Hopefully we can take advantage of it.”
Cashman’s influence will soon take a back seat to manager Aaron Boone and the players. Once the series begins tonight, all the front office can do is watch and hope their preparation pays off.
“You’re always in the position of saying, ‘I wish I did more, I wish I did more,’” Cashman added. “You’re not considered perfect unless you’re actually hoisting that World Series trophy.
“We can be beat, but we can also beat anybody, so it just comes down to how you play that week, and you certainly hope it’s the best.”
The Yankees have been under heavy scrutiny from their fans, especially after their 2023 season, which ended with a disappointing 82-80 record.
Although the team turned things around this year, finishing with the best record in the American League, the pressure is still on to deliver.
Boone, Cashman, and the rest of the Yankees front office have been criticized for not doing enough in recent years, and a loss to the Dodgers would do little to silence those doubters.
For Cashman and the Yankees, this World Series isn’t just about winning a title – it’s about proving to their passionate fanbase that they haven’t become complacent.
A World Series title would go a long way toward silencing the critics and restoring the team’s reputation as the kings of baseball.
Just like the entire Yankees fanbase, Cashman knows it’s “championship or bust.”
First pitch from Dodger Stadium is set for 8:08pm EST.
In the biggest start of his career, ace Gerrit Cole will attempt to prove to the world that Cashman made the right decision to put him in pinstripes.
What are your thoughts on the series? … Is this the year the Yankees finally break their long World Series title drought???
