The New York Yankees need offensive help and Jake Bauers is coming off of a breakout season. With Ben Rice at first base and Giancarlo Stanton at designated hitter, the fit itself would be questionable but New York could probably make it work. However, Brewers manager Pat Murphy recently made a quip (more on that later) about the Yankees while speaking to Bauers. Insider Mark Feinsand of MLB.com doesn't have the Yankees listed among Bauers' potential MLB free agency suitors.

Feinsand mentioned that a reunion with the Brewers remains a possibility. The MLB insider also listed the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks as potential suitors.

Bauers, 31, has featured a high ceiling for years now. He began his career with the Tampa Bay Rays and has since spent time with the Cleveland Guardians and New York Yankees in addition to the Brewers. He did not have his breakout season until 2026, however, as he played a crucial role in helping Milwaukee win its first World Series in franchise history.

Bauers hit .266 with an .874 OPS and 26 home runs. It was the perfect time for a big season, as Bauers is set to land a lucrative contract in free agency.

What did Pat Murphy tell Jake Bauers after Brewers won World Series?

The aforementioned quip from Murphy following Game 5 of the World Series drew no shortage of attention. Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin shared the video.

Jake Bauers gives Pat Murphy the last out ball. #Brewers #WorldSeries #WinOurWay #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/E3pblrbzf8

— Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin (@SpectrumNews1WI) October 29, 2026

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“Just remember, when you're on that horses**t Yankees team and you guys are all playing for yourselves, just remember this is the way we used to do it,” Murphy told Bauers in the video.

Brewers closer Trevor Megill later revealed that Murphy felt “terrible” about the comment and would surely apologize to the Yankees. Nevertheless, one has to wonder if Bauers will think twice before signing with the Yankees if New York does attempt to pursue him in free agency this offseason.