In an effort to mend fences, Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman revealed that he has engaged in discussions with Giancarlo Stanton and his agent, Joel Wolfe, to resolve any lingering issues arising from Cashman’s recent comments about the slugger.
Cashman expressed surprise at the fallout from his remarks made during the General Managers meetings in Scottsdale, Arizona.
“I was caught off guard by the coverage a week later. I had a conversation with Joel Wolfe, who I’ve known a long time, and also our player, Giancarlo Stanton. I feel like everything’s in a good spot,” Cashman said.
#Yankees GM Brian Cashman spoke to Giancarlo Stanton, his agent Joel Wolfe and everything is now in a 'good spot' & says they interviewed another candidate for bench coach today pic.twitter.com/c40w9psijv
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) November 17, 2023
The controversy stemmed from a tense group interview last week where Cashman expressed concerns about Stanton’s injury history, stating: “I believe Stanton is going to wind up getting hurt again, more likely than not, because it seems to be part of his game.”
In response, Wolfe cautioned potential free-agents about playing in New York, saying: “It’s a good reminder for all free agents considering signing in New York, both foreign and domestic, that to play for that team you’ve got to be made of Teflon, both mentally and physically.”
Giancarlo Stanton’s agent, Joel Wolfe, responds below to Yankees GM Brian Cashman saying of Stanton, “He’s going to wind up getting hurt again more likely than not because it seems to be part of his game.” pic.twitter.com/gZHlqy4cfY
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 14, 2023
In fairness to Cashman, there’s absolutely nothing he said that wasn’t true.
Any Yankees fan knows that Stanton is always, always, always hurt … And to ignore that fact or pretend like it’s not an issue would be idiotic.
Regardless, Cashman acknowledged the need for damage control, noting: “I feel like things got spun out of control with the coverage a week later.”
He emphasized the importance Stanton as a player and believes any issues with Stanton and Wolfe have been resolved.
Regarding Stanton’s performance last season, Cashman said: “I value Giancarlo Stanton as a player. Without a doubt, he’s one of the big drivers when we do win. He’s one of the few players you bring to New York that hasn’t backed down, that has handled himself in a professional manner through thick and thin.”
That part is true as well … Even though he’s been a massive disappointment on the field, he’s never mouthed-off or caused any problems in the clubhouse.
As the Yankees gear up for a busy offseason following a disappointing playoff-less 2023, Cashman discussed the team’s ambitious plans.
He confirmed interest in Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto and expressed the need for at least two outfielders, preferably one left-handed.
Cashman mentioned potential targets, saying: “We’re knocking on those doors, we’re having those conversations. Hal Steinbrenner and his family have always run it the way that if there’s some opportunity worth pushing through on, they’re always there to allow that to happen.”
When asked about specific free agents like Cody Bellinger, Cashman replied: “There’s a lot of free agents out there right now that can be a fit for us, and certainly a lot of trade options that can be a fit for us as well.”
Interestingly, the coveted Yamamoto is also represented by Wolfe.
Cashman (and all Yankees fans) are hoping that the fences between GM and agent have indeed been mended.
The last thing the Bombers want is to be blacklisted from the Yamamoto sweepstakes due to a personal vendetta.
What do you make of the whole Cashman-Stanton-Wolfe drama?
Where do you think Yamamoto will end up???