If Hal Steinbrenner Finally Decides to Fire Brian Cashman, Who Are the Potential Successors for the 4x Yankees World Champion?

The New York Yankees have had a tough time for quite a while now. Although they played the ALCS in 2022, fans would be quick to say that it was an anomaly for them. The team has been way too inconsistent to become serious contenders, a far cry from their omnipresence in the World Series during the 90s and early 2000s.  Fans are quickly growing disenchanted with the ownership and the entire management. Their biggest target, however, remains the team’s General Manager and Senior Vice-President Brian Cashman. Though under him the team has won 4 World Championships, lately fans view him as a liability.

So what if the Yankees decide to change their GM? Although it doesn’t seem likely that they would take the step right now with them entering the postseason with Cashman’s position intact. Still, if they do choose to change up things, who are the potential people who can replace Cashman as the GM of the most successful franchise in MLB history? Here are a few potential frontrunners for the post.

Potential names that could be the next New York Yankees General Manager

There are quite a few contenders for this post. The Yankees have been down and out for so long that there must be people lining up to bring the Bronx Bombers back to their glory. So who are they exactly?

1. Brian Sabean

The San Francisco Giants’ legendary GM is an early favorite for the job. Brian Sabean is one of the most successful GMs in the history of MLB. His story with the Giants is an epic tale of smart business and planning that enabled them to have their golden era. The Bay Bombers were bombing hard before his arrival, he then steered their ship for 18 seasons. By the end of his tenure, the team that had never won a World Series before was a three-time World Series winner. Sabes clearly has the experience and pedigree to be a Yankees GM.

Also, he happens to be assistant to the current GM Brian Cashman so hierarchically he is already the natural successor of Cashman should the Pinstripes decide to replace him. The only drawback, though, is Sabean’s age. Though 67 isn’t really very old, the post of GM requires heavy work. Would he be ready to spend that much time at that age is the question.

2. Derek Jeter

What if Captain Clutch became the GM Clutch? Derek Jeter is one of the most iconic figures in the Bronx Bombers. He was the centerpiece of the Yankees dynasty of the late 90s and early 2000s. Though it might seem like a romantic idea there are reasons to believe he could get chosen. Jeter has the necessary experience owing to his work with the Miami Marlins as their CEO. Under his tenure, the Marlins were a successful and stable franchise. Now imagine what he would do with the Yankees.

The legend would be even more motivated to succeed with his team. He was a serial winner as a player, so he might transfer that habit into the team as a GM. Also because he is a known face and has relations with everybody in the Yankees management, it won’t be difficult for him to quickly get things started.

3. Theo Epstein

The man who ends the droughts could get a chance to end a third one. Theo Epstein is a very popular name owing to his unique record. The man has ended two World Series droughts. Once with the Boston Red Sox in 2004 then with the Chicago Cubs in 2016. In his tenure, he created winning teams with strong mental fortitude. Now with the Yankees having a little drought of their own, they could theoretically take the services of a 3 time World Series-winning GM.

4. David Stearns

The current President of Baseball operations of their city rivals, David Stearns could potentially join New York Yankees as a GM. He is known for creating well-functioning and coordinated teams. Under him, the Milwaukee Brewers had their most successful spell yet by reaching 4 consecutive playoffs. Now working for the New York Mets, Stearns is showing his chops in a team that can match the Yankees in financial power. Can he impress the Yankees enough by his Mets tenure to replace Brian Cashman? Chances are he can.

5. Matt Arnold 

The current GM of the Milwaukee Brewers Matt Arnold is one of the lesser-known names in this list. Though he can surprise many by becoming the frontrunner in this race owing to his one unique quality. He can create great teams on a limited budget. Although this is New York Yankees, the team known for spending big, recently they have been more budget conscious. His low-budget but high-quality team-creating abilities showcase his good scouting skills. This could come in handy for the Bronx Bombers who can scout good talents right when they are in college.

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6. Billy Beane

Another expert in creating good teams on a low budget is Billy Beane. The current GM of Oakland Athletics is a surprising name on the list. Though again just like Arnold he could surprise many by coming ahead of the rest. The thing is that even though he can do things on a small scale, the Yankees provide a unique scenario. They can merge his good team-building skills with a few star signings owing to their financial muscle. This could create a deadly combination that may bring them back to the World Series.

7. Eric Neander

The current president of baseball operations of the Tampa Bay Rays could also replace Brian Cashman as the GM of the Yankees. He was named the MLB Executive of the Year in 2019. He has the pedigree as well as experience to succeed Cashman. The fact that he can do so at costs that are reasonable is an added bonus.

Why fans dislike Brian Cashman

It’s quite unusual for fans to hate the man who has won 4 World Series for them but it has happened. The Bronx Faithful do not really like Cashman. The reasons are simple, the Yankees aren’t the force they once were. When talking about these 4 World Series wins, fans are quick to point out that 3 of them were won due to a team he inherited.

Under his regime, there have been many missed opportunities. He refused to even look at Bryce Harper and traded away some of the players who later became big stars. Above all, the Bronx Bombers have ceased to dominate the league like they used to. The franchise as a whole may have stagnated in recent years, and removing Cashman might start the process of rebuilding that the team needs.

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