With Major League Baseball’s General Managers Meetings underway in Las Vegas, one head of baseball operations is absent.
That would be Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who is missing the trip to Sin City due to a last-minute, non-baseball obligation, according to a team spokesperson. Instead, Cashman will talk to reporters remotely via Zoom on Wednesday with other American League front office leaders scheduled to speak at The Cosmopolitan hotel.
This is the first time that Cashman has not attended the GM Meetings, which he once called “a necessary evil.” The annual gathering allows teams to discuss their needs internally and externally. It is during this time that groundwork can be laid for future signings and trades.
That’s what happened in 2023, as the Yankees and Padres began talking about the trade that ultimately sent Juan Soto and Trent Grisham to New York at the end of that year’s Winter Meetings, which are held in December.
Cashman last spoke to reporters a week after the Blue Jays bounced the Yankees in the ALDS. At that point, he and his front office — several Yankees executives did make the trip to Vegas — had yet to hold their annual pro scouting meetings, which are meant to provide direction for the club’s offseason.
Regardless of Cashman’s presence, most of his and the Yankees’ needs are clear.
The outfield must be addressed, as free agents Cody Bellinger, a priority, and Trent Grisham, tendered the qualifying offer, have to be retained or replaced. The bullpen also has a bunch of holes with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams among the team’s free agents (and expected departures). The Yankees should also add a starter with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt set to start the year on the injured list and Will Warren and Luis Gil incumbents who could be improved upon.
