Brewers Manager Pat Murphy: Post-Game Exchange Targets Yankees

Pat Murphy called the New York Yankees a group of self-interested players during a post-game celebration at Tropicana Field on Wednesday night. The comment came as the Milwaukee Brewers secured their first World Series title in franchise history. Murphy and Jake Bauers were captured on video discussing the ball from the series-clinching play.

The conversation started after the Brewers defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 in Game 5. Bauers, who played for New York in 2023, caught the final out. He presented the baseball to Murphy as the team gathered on the field. The clip spread across social media within hours of the final out.

Murphy told Bauers that he would become a rich free agent this offseason. He reminded the outfielder of his time with the Bronx Bombers. "Just remember when you were on that horses, Yankees team and you guys were all playing for yourself?" Murphy said. He added, "Just remember, say, 'This is the way we used to do it.'"

Bauers was traded from the Yankees to the Brewers in November 2023. He spent that season in New York, batting .202 with 12 home runs in 84 games. The 2026 season marked a return to form for the outfielder. He posted career bests in batting average, home runs, runs batted in, and on-base plus slugging percentage.

Bauers hit .266 with 26 home runs and 86 RBIs for Milwaukee this year. His on-base plus slugging percentage reached .874. He was named the MVP of the National League Championship Series after batting .286 with six RBIs. The Brewers swept the Los Angeles Dodgers in four games to advance to the World Series.

The critique of New York mirrors comments made by Los Angeles Dodgers players in 2024. Veterans Joe Kelly, Miguel Rojas, and Chris Taylor criticized the Yankees during that year's World Series. Kelly described the team as sloppy, while Rojas called their defense lazy. Neither Murphy nor Bauers spoke to reporters about the exchange following the Game 5 victory.

The Brewers return home after winning the championship. The team completed a four-game series sweep of the Rays. Murphy and Bauers have not held a joint press conference since the moment was recorded.