Since 1998, many things have changed in the pinstripes. Stars have come and gone through the Bronx, legends have been made and retired. Yet one thing has always stayed the same: General Manager Brian Cashman. For 27 seasons now, he’s been the one behind those closed doors, making plans and putting together the clubhouse. They have recognized that longevity is an achievement. But fans seem to have a totally different opinion.

Recently, the Yankees posted on X with a congratulatory message. “Congratulations to Yankees SVP & GM Brian Cashman on his induction to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame today 👏.” But the comment section quickly turned into something far different from what the organization might have hoped for.

The Yankees have won four World Series titles since Cashman became general manager. He was the first GM to win World Series titles in his first three seasons: 1998, 1999, and 2000. Then, in 2009, they won another championship, the last one. On paper, four rings sounds great. But this is where the frustration starts.

The issue isn’t what Brian Cashman has done. It’s what hasn’t happened since then.

It has been sixteen years. Sixteen years of signing stars, paying huge salaries, and always coming short of winning the championship. The Yankees have made the playoffs 12 times since 2010, while appearing only once in the World Series in 2024. But every October, the results have been the same.

The story repeated in 2025.

Even though they were one of the favorite teams in the AL to win the Ring, they again fell short of the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series by 3-1. Brian Cashman admitted after that loss, “They dominated us in the regular season and the postseason.”

So, when the Yankees announced the news, it turned into a backlash, and fans just gave a reality check.

Fans’ verdict on Brian Cashman’s HoF

The announcement of Cashman’s Hall of Fame induction became a lightning rod for years of pent-up disappointment. The Bleacher Creatures did what they have been known for, their bluntness. A comment read, “Great. Lets now induct him to the unemployment line.” After another disappointing season, fans are questioning whether loyalty to Cashman has become a liability. His contract extends through 2026, and these back-to-back losses aren’t helping the Bronx.

Then came a comparison that none of us was expecting. “For being the Mike Tomlin of the MLB?” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has built consistently competitive teams, making it to the playoffs regularly. But when the stakes are highest, when championships are on the line, both have struggled to deliver. Plus, the Steelers won the last Super Bowl in 2009, like the Pinstripes.

But not everyone was throwing him under the bus. One fan congratulated him, “Congrats! Well deserved. Truly appreciate all you have done. Absolute legend.” The Yankees might not have been able to win the World Series Ring since 2009, but they have been consistent. And this season, Brian Cashman recorded his 2,500th win of the regular season as the Yankees GM, when NYY thrashed the Brewers 20-9 on March 29. That was an achievement in itself.

Yet, fans have their own demand to accept his HoF. “Well if he gets Skubal Tucker and Bo he’s in my hall of fame.” The summer of 2025 is over, and now the focus is totally on how to make 2026 their season. With Kyle Tucker, Tarik Skubal, and Bo Bichette hitting the free agency, and the Yankees needing a good arm and bat, they are good fits for the clubhouse. Now, this offseason will be a great watch, whether Cashman can have them all or any of them.

Still, there were calls to change the leadership. “With that said. PLEASE retire and pass the baton. Please.” The underlying message is clear: the game may have passed him by, and fresh perspectives might be what the Yankees need to get over the slump. With his contract ending in 2026, can Hal Steinbrenner look in another direction?

The reaction to Brian Cashman’s Hall of Fame induction reveals a fanbase caught between respect for consistency and hunger for championships. While other teams rebuild and succeed, the Yankees remain close yet fall short. As the offseason begins, the debate centers on whether the GM’s tenure is part of the problem.