Yankees GM Brian Cashman says Jorge Posada is welcome after public criticism

Brian Cashman, the general manager of the New York Yankees, confirmed on Tuesday that Jorge Posada is welcome with the club. Cashman made the statement during the annual general managers meetings held at the Aria Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. He addressed remarks Posada made on the New York Post's baseball podcast, "The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman," where the four-time World Series champion said he does not feel the franchise wants him around.

Cashman said he was surprised by the comments but has since spoken with Posada directly. "He is welcome," Cashman said. He noted that the modern media environment, characterized by an abundance of podcasts and social media platforms, allows more opinions to be projected than existed during Posada's playing career. Cashman described this shift as part of the current reality for the team.

Posada joins a list of former players and coaches who have criticized the Yankees following their loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. This defeat marked another year without a championship, extending the franchise's drought since its last title in 2009, a season Posada helped win. Other critics included CC Sabathia, Anthony Rizzo, and Joe Girardi, who cited issues ranging from a lack of accountability to a declining standard of play among current athletes.

Cashman previously stated that the specific issues raised by Sabathia, Rizzo, and Girardi were not the primary causes of the early playoff exit. He emphasized the difficulty of winning, reminding former players that many great teams have fallen short despite careful construction. "It's as simple as that. It's not because the care factor isn't there or because the work's not going on behind the scenes," Cashman said. He added that he remains open to constructive suggestions for improvement.

The former catcher was invited to spring training by manager Aaron Boone, a practice that has continued consistently. Posada mentioned the invitation when discussing his potential role in helping the team. Cashman highlighted the organization's respect for its history, noting that Posada is invited to camp and Old-Timers' Day every year. He also acknowledged Posada's participation in his daughter's show, "Story of My Number," which Cashman appreciated.

The Yankees' front office aims to bridge the gap between being good and being great. Cashman stated that both Posada and the current organization share the goal of excellence. The team is currently in the process of evaluating how to reach that higher level of performance after a season that ended in disappointment for the fanbase.