Brian Cashman appreciates World Series titles are expected from the New York Yankees, not just hoped for. New York hasn't even reached the World Series since the 27th championship in 2009, a drought that is the pinstripes' longest since the gap between 1978 and 1996. “We have a great shot but we only have a great shot if we play our best baseball," the general manager said Thursday ahead of an AL Division Series against Kansas City.
“I know that we have the capabilities, but at the same time I caution that we’ve had capabilities many times before and you have to match those capabilities with, obviously, great defense, great baserunning, tremendous offensive at-bats against extremely tough pitching and, obviously, the most important aspect is pitching to the best of your abilities.” After missing the playoffs last year for the first time since 2016 , the Yankees rebounded following the December acquisition of Juan Soto from San Dieg o. They led the AL in runs with 815 after finishing 25th in 2023 and topped the major leagues in home runs with 237.
“I do honestly believe that anybody that’s currently in the tournament has a legitimate chance to raise that trophy,” Cashman said. "I think we have the pieces that are here and we have the will to make it happen, and now we just got to go up against an opponent that’s very worthy.” Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole (8-5) starts Saturday night's opener for New York after recovering from elbow nerve irrit.
