Speaking at the Yankees’ end-of-season news conference on Friday, Brian Cashman said his contract expired, but that he is still serving as the GM.
“I have had a brief conversation with Hal Steinbrenner, so my contract expired October 31,” Cashman told reporters at Yankee Stadium. “He said we’ll obviously talk and he expressed interest in having me back. Of course I’d like to stay, but we haven’t had any further discussions on that.
“Obviously dealing with a lot of other employment stuff with other people. All in due time, so we’ll see how that plays out. But obviously I’d love to stay. And he’s expressed interest in having me stay, so that’s all I can tell you so far.”
Cashman was asked by SNY’s Andy Martino if his willingness to work without a contract meant there’s a mutual understanding between Cashman and Steinbrenner that something will get done.
“I don’t take anything for granted,” Cashman said. “I’m not here to assume anything. I’ve been working for this franchise for a long time. I’ve got a lot of respect and relationships, and I’m honored to be a part of the Yankee family. And so , my contract’s expired. But I’m one of many people that have done that. … It doesn’t guarantee an outcome, so I’m not here to assume anything. But while being in the position, I’ll do the best job that I can and let people judge the results.”
Steinbrenner told the Associated Press earlier this offseason that Aaron Boone will continue as manager, but as Martino explained, that did not necessarily guarantee that Cashman was set to also return.
Martino noted on Friday after Cashman gave an update on his status that he believes Steinbrenner wants Cashman to return and that it “seems it will get done.”
Cashman has been serving as the Yankees’ GM since February of 1998.