Yankees, GM Brian Cashman finalizing five-year, $25 million extension

Bob Nightengale | USA TODAY

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New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman's grip on the club's baseball operations is growing even firmer, as he and the club are finalizing a five-year, $25 million contract extension, according to a person with direct knowledge of the deal.

The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the deal is not yet official.

Cashman, who a decade ago often clashed with other executives and late owner George Steinbrenner over the club's direction, has perhaps never enjoyed more influence, as evidenced by current owner Hal Steinbrenner's endorsement of his decision to part ways with manager Joe Girardi after the 2017 season ended in a Game 7 loss in the AL Championship Series. The team eventually hired first-time manager Aaron Boone to replace Girardi.

Cashman, 50, now receives a significant raise over the three-year, $9 million contract that expired after the season. The Yankees won 91 games and the top AL wild card berth in a year many believed would be a transition season.

Instead, the Yankees have found immediate success even as their farm system remains flush with top prospects as they aim to diminish their reliance on massive free agent contracts.

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