The New York Yankees are hurdling toward last place, but don't expect major changes in management.
The New York Yankees are in fourth place and 11.5 games out of first in the AL East. Per FanGraphs, the team has a whopping 11.7 percent chance of making the playoffs. Their odds to win the World Series are virtually zilch — less than one percent.
It has been a disappointing season for the Yankees, riddled with injuries and simple underperformance. One of the most expensive offenses in the MLB has been remarkably inept at the plate. Aaron Judge's lengthy absence was part of the problem, sure, but only part.
Naturally, there has been a hard push from the fanbase to overhaul the team's managerial regime. No individual has drawn more heat than GM Brian Cashman, whose inactivity at the trade deadline only amplified the wave of discontent cresting over the fanbase.
While the Yankees have been undeniably disappointing, don't expect major changes. Team owner Hal Steinbrenner appears to have made his mind up regarding Cashman's future with the team, much to the chagrin of fans.
New York Yankees not expected to fire GM Brian Cashman after season
"The idea [of firing Cashman] isn't even on the table," one source told Bob Klapisch of NJ Advance Media.
Cashman has been with the Yankees since 1998 and it would appear his historic tenure — which includes four World Series championships — will continue for at least one more season. Probably more, if Steinbrenner's core principles don't change.
According to Klapsich's report, there's a "safety net" protecting Cashman and manager Aaron Boone: Steinbrenner is averse to difficult decisions. Join the club, Hal. The Yankees' stability can be adequately summed up by Cashman's tenure, which has now lasted 14 years past the Yankees' last World Series run. Firing people isn't in Hal Steinbrenner's nature and it would appear Cashman can rest comfortably on his laurels, even if the Yanks fall short of the playoffs as expected.
There's something to be said for stability, of course, and few GMs have a resume that approaches that of Cashman. His longevity is a rare feat and New York has experienced many successes under the long-tenured GM. However, times change and it's clear many of the team's shortcomings stem from upper management. An effective owner would hold Cashman accountable for his mistakes.
The thing about business is, tough decisions are part of the job. Steinbrenner can't sit there nonchalantly while his team hurdles toward oblivion and expect things to change. The Yankees are more capable than any franchise of spending their way out of a hole, but the vibes around the organization are putrid and it's clear the team's struggles can't be chalked up to injuries and bad luck.
The fate of Aaron Boone in the head coach's chair merits watching too. His future is less certain, per Klapsich, due to only one year remaining on his contract. Boone has frequently bombarded the media with unsatisfying excuses for New York's struggles at the plate and in the win column. Surely if the Yankees fall short of the postseason, Boone will be replaced. Unfortunately for New York fans, Steinbrenner is a fan of Boone personally and there's a strong chance the coach is safe for at least one more season, too.
New York fans will have a lot to digest in the offseason if the team's current trajectory holds. So will management. Fans will continue to implore Hal Steinbrenner to make changes, but there's a stark difference between being a fan of the Yankees and being the owner of the Yankees. Only one side of that coin has real decision-making power and it would appear Steinbrenner is irrevocably set in his ways.