Back in May, right-hander Andrew Cashner suggested to Dan Connolly of The Athletic that he’d consider sitting out the rest of the season if the Orioles sent him to an undesirable destination by the July 31 trade deadline. Cashner, whom Baltimore traded to Boston last weekend, confirmed to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com that he indeed would have held out through year’s end had the Orioles dealt him somewhere he didn’t want to go.
“I mean what I said,” he told Cotillo. “This is one of the places I would come. It wasn’t a place that I would ever not come to. We’re talking about the World Series champions. Why would you not come here?”
Philadelphia was the only other team that showed reported interest in Cashner before his trade to the Red Sox, but the Phillies stopped their pursuit because of concerns over his makeup. The well-traveled Cashner then fell flat in his Red Sox debut in a loss Tuesday to the Blue Jays, who roughed him up for six runs (five earned) on eight hits and a pair of homers in five innings. Cashner had been much more productive than that toward the tail end of his Orioles tenure, though, and has managed a playable 4.09 ERA/4.53 FIP with 6.04 K/9, 2.75 BB/9 and a 48.9 percent groundball rate in 101 1/3 innings this season.
As of now, Cashner’s output looks as if it’ll earn him another guaranteed contract in the offseason – if he reaches free agency. The soon-to-be 33-year-old’s current deal includes a $10MM vesting option if he throws 340 innings from 2018-19 or a player option should he amass 360. But Cashner is well short of either figure, having accrued 254 1/3 dating back to last season, so another trip to the open market appears inevitable. Obviously, though, Cashner isn’t willing to simply play anywhere going forward. The hirsute Cashner also isn’t going to shave his beard at a team’s request, which – as funny as it sounds – could have an effect on where he pitches after this season.
timpa
The very definition of ‘average’. career ERA+ of 100 and acting like he’s a friggin superstar. what a joke.
AirGuitar721
This is laughable, given his career production.
pasha2k
I see it different, Ben. Believe me I am not defending. Sub par acquisition n a so far poor performer, but I gotta give credit to someone who thinks that they take me for what I am, n not changing cuz of money. I have no idea if he’ll ever perform but I’m sure he’s trying. Maybe Pedro will come by n help him like he did Nate after he was not doing well right after the trade.
ColossusOfClout
He comes off as pretty arrogant… which makes him a perfect fit for Boston!
hiflew
The average major leaguer is still the 300th best baseball player in the world. So, 300 out of 7 billion is still pretty good.
jleve618
That’s one way to look at it.
ogenshnot5194
Seems like a total tool. He should feel lucky he gets to play at all.
dimitrios in la
Was a seemingly good teammate in Baltimore. However, his comments have detrimental implications for trust between clubs and players. NBA has that problem in a terrible way already.
troll_smasher
When have clubs and players EVER had trust? It’s a business.
delete
This seems to be more than just a trust thing. The guy signed a legal contract and he’s talking about breaching it if he doesn’t get his way with as much flippancy as a guy ordering nuggets at McDonald’s. That’s toxic, and I’m not just talking about the mcnuggets
dimitrios in la
Well a collective bargaining agreement involves some form of trust. I’m saying that this approach of Cashner’s could further erode an already fragile trust.
delete
I get your point, but to me CBA is a pre-contract consideration. I just want to emphasize that this guy is talking about breaching a fully realized contract because he wants to go on a delusional star trip. Unbelievable really.
Ironman_4life
I wish i was a total tool. $41 million in earnings to play baseball. What a tool.
Im assuming you meant fool.
pjc1966
If I were Cashner I wouldn’t worry about passing on the Yankees due to the beard issue. They love hitting off him too much to sign him.
pasha2k
Pub, that is the best thing I’ve read ever on this page!!!!!!
kingcong95
Paging Brian Cashman. Do you read? Over.
gmenfan
Judging by the box score, he probably should have sat out anyways.
Chad Lawrence
The guy is a jerk. Doesn’t surprise me not to mention he’s not a very good player.
mstrchef13
He was loved by his teammates here in Baltimore, and the manager and pitching coach both noted how he mentored the younger pitchers on the staff.
Oh, and he had a winning record on the worst team in baseball and good stats in the worst pitchers park in the league, so he was a better player than you say.
Braves2019
For a half of a season out of his whole career? Get real dude.
Chad Lawrence
He likes to talk trash about other teams. He’s garbage.
yankees2016rebuild
I dont want a player who’s mediocre mentoring my young players what could he possibly teach anyone how to go from a top prospect to a total failure.
heater
Funny thing about that, a lot pitching coaches were mediocre to not berry good pitchers.
jjd002
Grew up with him which it is weird to see him act like that. Would never had thought he would’ve said something like that.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Money makes you more of whatever you are.
YankeesBleacherCreature
^already are.
BlueSkyLA
Sounds like the hirsute Cashner is willing to wear a hair shirt.
Bocephus
Is this secret code?
BlueSkyLA
Not last I checked. Hirsute means hairy. Wearing a hair shirt is a way of saying someone is doing voluntary penance.
User 4245925809
Lot of hairy things occurring in NYC currently, but Cashman and Yanks not involved. more like DeBlasio and loco crew he has around him needs “shaved” for a clean slate on things.
Bocephus
You know it’s fixed when that scrub is in the debates.
sherlock_
He thinks he’s better than he really is
tepmumbs
“Why would you not want to come here?” Because they’re not very good???
bucketheadsdad
He is pitching against his former team in about a half hour. I hope that the O’s absolutely MASH today.
solaris602
He’s already down 2-0 in the 2nd. He’ll be lucky to last 5 today.
gmenfan
Sounds like his last start. I’m sensing a pattern.
walls17
4 runs allowed so far
king beas
What ever happened to carter Capps?
srechter
The league instituted the “Carter Capps” rule outlawing his jump delivery off the mound. A combination of injuries and decreased effectiveness have lead him to toil around the minors for a while. Hasn’t played at any level this season; I don’t know his current status.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
I think it’s just foolish to refuse to play for the Yankees because you won’t shave your facial hair. You should refuse to play for the Yankees because… well, because they’re the damned Yankees.
SashaBanksFan
He was playing for Baltimore and said he would sit out if traded from them?? He wasn’t in an undesirable locatio already? Sounds like he should have just sit out the entire season.
jdgoat
His entire career has been undesirable location after undesirable location.
jorge78
He was talking about being traded to a non contender…..
fisk72
Like Baltimore.
walls17
A non contender wouldn’t trade for him
fisk72
whoosh
Professor
Not good enough to make those demands it feels…
CKinSTL
It makes perfect sense that anyone would be very particular about where they play. That’s completely understandable, especially if a guy has a family.
However, players always have the option to work that into the contract. If there are places you don’t want to go – get that into your contract through full or limited no-trade protection.
It’s a shame to hear someone gripe like this. I’m sure the thought from Cashner’s camp was that full or limited no-trade would impact his AAV (which is almost certainly accurate).. but you can’t have it both ways.
He signed a contract with no guarantees on trades. Live with it.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Agreed. It’s almost like he’s proud of sounding like an assh*le. He sets a bad example for younger guys in the game which I’m sure he doesn’t care about. There are guys like Yasmani Grandal and then there is Cashner.
SupremeZeus
Cashner digs himself.
nats3256
Could you imagine trading a prospect for this guy, and then he doesnt show for the year. Ouch.
bilak33
Padres did! Basically sent Rizzo almost straight up for him and he was injured at first. Been a Padre fan for a looooooong time, seen so much dumb stuff. So much. But that trade stings to this day. Such an inept front office at that time, get mad just thinking about it still and still get angry when I see Rizzo highlights
trident
I was living in San Diego at that time and everyone (fans/media) knew Rizzo was a stud and could be the future star. Everyone was confused by that trade
nats3256
Oh…well…the Nationals thank the Padres for Trea Turner.
bestno5
It’s too bad he didn’t sit out….he would have helped his new team’s stats by lowering their ERA once he went MIA.
His reasoning is ridiculous and is one main reason I am getting tired of athletes and contract news
ChiSoxCity
Translation: Cashner had zero interest in going to Philadelphia.
pinstripes17
So he chose Boston instead? They aren’t much better.
ChiSoxCity
Read his comments about Boston.
myaccount
Wouldn’t surprise me if he doesn’t get a major league contract next season after these comments. Extremely mediocre + loose cannon demeanor. Hard pass.
sbtoby
More undesirable than Baltimore?
Down with OBP
Makeup grade : 20
jkurk_22
I don’t understand why hey everyone gets so upset at this. I’d be the same way if I already had already made millions. Who cares if he’s great or not. If he decides his career is only worth it to him to play on certain teams good for him. I applaud him for that actually. Money isn’t everything and sure you have a talent and a chance to play major league ball, but if you’re not happy with certain teams and you already have made enough. Be choosy with who you’re willing to play for. I’d expect he knows that makes some team weary of him and I expect he doesn’t care. I wouldn’t. Obviously when you feel the way he does, the idea of having to ride off in to the sunset isn’t so bad if it means your only options were those that you didn’t like. And as far as the Yankees shaving comments. Again good for him. It may seem small and dumb to you, but to some people their facial hair is part of their identity. I wouldn’t want to shave mine. I think that’s a asinine idea anyways. The Yankees should abolish the hair policy anyways. At the end of the day if it doesn’t make you happy and you’re gonna be okay without it, then do you. You guys can get over youselves
Down with OBP
Of course he can be choosy. He just doesn’t seem to understand his market
Down with OBP
He should feel lucky that the Red Sox don’t have a good enough farm system to go after the better pitchers available
YankeesBleacherCreature
I’m not one of those upset as a Yankees fan. It’s his right to pick who he wants to play for under his own terms. No argument there. However, his comments make him sound like a complete ass and sets a bad example for the younger guys in the game. I’m sure he doesn’t care. There are guys like Yasmani Grandal and then there is Cashner.
Priggs89
“Money isn’t everything and sure you have a talent and a chance to play major league ball, but if you’re not happy with certain teams and you already have made enough. Be choosy with who you’re willing to play for.”
Maybe he should’ve thought of that during his contract negotiations and gave up some money for a no trade clause…
yankees2016rebuild
We need to get over it. Man you typed a novel to say nothing the guy is a POS why cause when you sign a contract honor it or retire. If you didn’t want to get traded put it in your contract period.
jkurk_22
Nah, he would’ve sacrificed the money to not play so that makes it even. Contract or no contract. No no-trade clause necessary if you willing to walk away in an undesirable situation.
YankeesBleacherCreature
He’s speaking from hindsight and I doubt he would’ve followed through on sitting out if he was traded to an undesireable team. He’s basically telling us how special he is and deserves to be with a winner.
ln13
Actually, several weeks before he was traded, he had made comments about sitting out if traded.
trident
Trying to channel Curt Flood
Oxford Karma
No, you wouldn’t have. You’re about to enter free agency and you had the best half season and in your life. That’s a fun thing to say now, but you wouldn’t have turned away 3-4 million the rest of the year.
Besides you were already on the worst team in 20 years. What’s undesirable to an Oriole, San Quentin?
its_happening
If Andrew Cashner wanted to play for a contender, which is what I presume he meant, why did he sign with Baltimore in February 2018? Why ask your agent to find a contending team who’d offer less than what the O’s offered? Is it about winning or do you want to get paid? There were some teams at the time looking at arms for the short term, including contending teams going into the 2018 season.
Owners can now use this situation when they meet with the players union. Guys making millions looking to sit out and not fulfill their contractual obligation is not a good look.
Michael Birks
I wonder if Boston would have traded for him if they thought the vesting option was attainable??
Aaron Sapoznik
The great and discriminating Andrew Cashner picking and choosing where he wants to play.
One of the best trades Theo Epstein orchestrated as the Cubs front office boss was to ship his sorry butt to the Padres for Anthony Rizzo. Hopefully, the Cubs will pass on reuniting with this likely free agent next offseason.
The White Sox can pass on him as well although it’s not likely he would deem them a good enough destination anyway. Just for a laugh, the White Sox should extend him the highest FA contract offer next winter and then pull it just when this hypocrite is ready to put his pen to paper. lol
dragonfan96
Shut up and play the game Cashner. When your career is like Verlander’s you can sit out.
Ryan W
What a baby. He’s not that good to dictate something like that, ever. Teams would sooner not sign him.
luckyh
So far he fits right in with the starting rotation.
Baseballfreak
Typical Primadonna millennials. Get the hell over who you’re playing for and how about earning some of that money! Any half assed pitcher can throw out 5+ runs a game! Let’s see how far your attitude gets you as a FA this year.
Jim Carter
Funny stuff! No team is more undesirable than the Orioles. By the time Baltimore is a contender, Cashner will be in retirement.
johns-11
There is a reason he’s played with 6 teams. Arrogant and hard to be his teammate.
Mystery Team
Well he’s three innings into his second start for Boston and he’s already given up four more runs. Delusional much?
athleticsnchill
Back to Baltimore or to Miami he goes next season!
YankeesBleacherCreature
Not Jeter & Co. type of player makeup even for the league min. with their young team. Long Island Ducks maybe.
24TheKid
I think it’s safe to assume that Cashner will not be playing for the Ducks lol.
njbirdsfan
I’m going to laugh my ass off if one of these 17 year old lottery tickets actually pans out.
But I forgot, the Sawx are an important team and the Orioles are just schedule filler. Meanwhile MLB is losing fans left and right because 3/4 of the league is treated as second class and who wants to root for that?
tank62
This guy is straight up hot garbage and he acts like he’s Pedro. What an arrogant tool
johns-11
LOL Andrew Trashner, looks good on him.
Ronk325
Just last Saturday people on here wear quick to defend this bum when I said Cashner is a bum. Now after he’s shown his true colors again everyone seems to be in agreement that once again Cashner sucks
bradthebluefish
“[Cashner] consider sitting out the rest of the season if the Orioles sent him to an undesirable destination.”
How much more of an undesirable destination can there be beyond the Baltimore Orioles. You could say the Miami Marlins, but at least they are in a desirable location.
thickiedon
Why even admit this publicly, Princess?
Is he assuming he wasn’t going to a contending team?
tsc32
Lol who does Cashner think he is? He’s a bang average player. No one would care if he sat out the rest of the year.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Fitting that he’s getting lit up by O’s while his former “teammate” is throwing a no-hitter against him on the mound.
Bald Vinny
Can he sit out now?
ryanw-2
Shave your damn beard dude. You’re not Randy Johnson. You’re a struggling journeyman. This is one reason why careers fade and players end up fighting for roster spots on minor league deals. Trevor Cahill still has a job because he’s willing to go to the bullpen.
YankeesBleacherCreature
Even he shaved when he was on the Yankees.
David ellis
Who care what cashner thinks. He stinks
Jeremy1593
Players like this disgust me , you’re getting payed millions of dollars to play a game you love and you’re complaining about what team you’re on he’s not even that good he’s a number 5 starter on good teams rotation just a joke
PeeWeeGaskins
paid* not payed
Ketch
I’m starting to wish a trade to Boston would have made him sit out…
pburke
I’m sure Boston now wishes he sat out the season
Groggydogs
He is going to sit out. Unfortunately it is going to be on the Sox bench.
hiflew
People can dislike him if they want, but the guy has a right to choose. Yes, there is a contract involved, but he has the right to walk away if he is not interested in playing for whatever reason he chooses. No one else gets to tell him that his reason is not good enough for him because he is a grown man that has the right to make his own choices. He has also pocketed enough money that he can walk away from his job and spend the rest of his life on the beach if he desires. Most of us aren’t able to do that, but he is. If I had enough money, I’d tell my boss exactly how things are going to work or I’m outta here.
draushaus
Let him sit, then.
Psychguy
While displaying the class of a petulant child. You think another team would want to go to war with a guy whose mental make up is so self absorbed? Yeah, I can walk out on my boss if I felt like it, but how immature is it? How would it affect the rest of my life and the life of my family?
stroh
What a bozo. Andrew Cashner. Really? A dude no one even thinks about, and he’s going to state his terms? The Orioles should have traded him to the Marlins, and let him sit out the rest of his contract.
AM21
Smart pass by the Phillies.
bravesfan
What a joke. He’s been paid millions year after year to play bad baseball on bad baseball teams. Not sure why he’s so entitled here. Get paid, play the game, move on
draushaus
Fool. Shave the beard. It’s not doing anything for you anyway.
heater
Should have negotiated a no trade clause in his contract I guess. He played on a terrible team but says I’ll just go home if I get traded to team with an undesirable situation? Who is this guy to think he should control his fate? This dude makes the union a shiny star. Smh…….
hiflew
He’s a guy with enough money that he doesn’t have to work if he doesn’t want to. If you have a job and they tell you to transfer to a city you don’t want to move to, it is your choice whether or not to go. It doesn’t matter the reason, it is still your choice. It’s called “screw you money.” The guy has enough money to tell his bosses, screw you, if he doesn’t want to do what they say.
bleacherguy714
When did he quit his gig on Pawn Stars…He looks like the chubby guy from Pawn Stars, or is it just me!?
jbigz12
I hope Cashner scared off a few clubs in FA w his comments. I’ll happily take him back to eat innings in Baltimore. He meshed w the guys just fine here and provided valuable innings to save our bullpen.