Brian Cashman, the general manager of the New York Yankees, provided updates on several offseason priorities as he remains in New York due to a personal matter. While Cashman was absent from meetings in Las Vegas attended by other team executives, he said he is maintaining communication with agents and other clubs.
“I’m staying connected via phone with other clubs and agents,” Cashman said via Zoom. “You gather as much early information [as possible], but it seems like what usually plays out is, it’s going to take some time. Once we start heading to the Winter Meetings in Orlando, hopefully we’ll have a pretty clear definition of what’s going on.”
Cashman reiterated his interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger, who declined a $25 million option for next season and will enter free agency. “He was a terrific addition for us last year,” Cashman said. “He played a big role in the amount of success we wound up having. Certainly, we’d love to have him come back to us. We’d be better served if we can retain him, but if not, then we’ll have to look at alternative ways to fill it and see where that takes us.
“It’s pretty early in the process, but I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Of course we’d like to have him back.”
Bellinger’s agent Scott Boras used references from “Top Gun” when discussing Bellinger’s appeal as a free agent.
The Yankees also extended a qualifying offer worth $22.025 million to Trent Grisham after what Cashman described as strong performance last season amid limited options for outfielders on the market. “If he turns it down, that means the market is flush with teams that have a need in the outfield, especially center field,” Cashman said. “He had a hell of a year for us, and one of the big reasons why we had the level of success we did. We’d be happy if he accepted and came back.” He added that retaining Grisham would not impact efforts to bring back Bellinger.
Despite reports about managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner aiming for payroll reductions below $300 million, Cashman noted no specific figure has been set by ownership: “We’re always fluid with our payroll situation.”
Regarding Jazz Chisholm Jr., who recently achieved 31 home runs and 31 stolen bases along with earning a Silver Slugger Award—a rare feat within franchise history—Cashman confirmed there are currently no talks about an extension beyond informal conversations: “We haven’t had any conversations outside of, he’s looking forward to playing next year. He loves playing here in that group,” Cashman said. “If you want to have a legitimate conversation about value, I’m open to a longer-term conversation as well. But that’s the extent of it.”
Addressing pitching needs due to injuries sidelining Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt at season start, Cashman expressed interest in Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai following his posting by Saitama Seibu Lions after posting a 1.92 ERA over 162 2/3 innings last season.“We’ve played in the Japanese market certainly in years gone by… But those are too long gone,” said Cashman while referencing past signings like Hideki Matsui and Masahiro Tanaka.“I’m interested in gravitating to any player anywhere in the world including Japan if it’s fit for us.”
In organizational changes, Donny Rowland will not return as director of international scouting after his contract expired.“His contract had expired so just like everything else you’ve got make some very difficult decisions,” said Cashman.“I’ve been involved with Donny Rowland for long time.But fork road,[his]contract had expired so I made difficult decision look different lead voice chair.” The club is now searching for Rowland’s successor following his oversight of key international signings such as Jasson Domínguez.
