A former key player for the Yankees feels a sense of exclusion from the team. Jorge Posada expressed his feelings during a recent episode of “The Show” podcast, stating that he believes the Yankees are not interested in having him around anymore, especially when asked about potential support he could offer the team.
“I think I could help, but honestly, I don’t think they want me there,” Posada remarked on the podcast that aired on Tuesday.
He elaborated, saying, “I don’t feel welcomed when I go there. Even during spring training, it’s like… I don’t know, I just don’t feel like they want me there, so I stay away.”
This surprising admission came after a discussion with host Joel Sherman about the team needing someone—other than manager Aaron Boone—who truly cares about the franchise and can, perhaps, assertively criticize unacceptable plays, much like Posada did during his playing days.
During his 17-season tenure with the Yankees from 1995 to 2011, the 56-year-old was beloved for his fiery demeanor and hitting skills, contributing to five championships alongside fellow legends Derek Jeter, Mariano Rivera, and Andy Pettitte.
He was hesitant to identify a specific reason for feeling unwelcome but pointed to the difficult conclusion of his baseball career. “I’d rather just move on,” he said, adding, “My last season was a really tough one, both in terms of how I managed things and how the Yankees handled me. It’s hard to revisit that.”
Posada’s final year with the team was marked by public disputes over his playing time and his transition to designated hitter.
He previously noted that it wasn’t manager Joe Girardi who made the final decisions regarding his situation but rather the front office, as he had discussions with Girardi but not with general manager Brian Cashman or owner Hal Steinbrenner.
“The hardest part was not having the opportunity to fight for my job,” Posada reflected. “I hold no issues with Joe.”
Cashman, while refusing to comment further, acknowledged their difficult relationship back then. “There are always bumps in the road, but we try to push through,” he had said.
Posada indicated he doesn’t regret being vocal about his feelings. In a season where he only caught once and started as designated hitter 90 times, he saw his role diminish as the team opted for Russell Martin as their main catcher, ultimately leading to an early postseason exit against the Tigers.
Despite the chilly atmosphere, Posada has remained connected with the Yankees, attending several Old Timers’ Days and the 25th anniversary of the 1998 championship team in 2023.
“I’ll say what’s on my mind and if something’s off, I’ll let you know,” Posada stated. “That’s just the way I played. We all wanted to win and do the right things. I’m honest, and that’s probably why it’s tough for some people to handle my straightforwardness.”
Since retiring from playing, Posada has stayed involved in baseball, working in the Miami Marlins’ front office under Derek Jeter and serving as bench coach for Team Italy in the recent World Baseball Classic. He commented that he enjoyed the Marlins’ role, particularly because he didn’t have to be there constantly.
Now, he finds fulfillment in spending time with his family. As he follows the 2026 postseason, Posada expressed disappointment over the Yankees’ performance, remarking, “They keep coming up short. It’s all about getting healthy and hot at the right moment.” He acknowledged the pitching was impressive but noted the significant impact of losing Aaron Judge. “It’s a big blow to the lineup,” he said, and added that the trades they made didn’t quite address the issue, making it tough to see the team underperforming when he thought they had potential to go further in the playoffs.
