Brian Cashman's "run it back" comments sparked debate in New York after the Yankees maintained a similar roster through a passive offseason. The club's 76% continuity score ranked ninth in MLB, with 85% carryover from last season's end roster, second only to the Dodgers.

MLB teams fall into performance tiers based on last season's results. Already-good clubs like the Yankees, Cubs, and Dodgers pursued various approaches, from passive offseasons with major splashes to more active roster turnover without star additions.

The Yankees' approach appears defensible despite fan criticism. Their 69% continuity score from the season start indicates healthy turnover for a contender, and historically, passive offseasons with major free-agent additions have produced the smallest regression (2.4 wins lost) among good teams.

Historical data shows 10 World Series winners from the "passive without splash" category, though seven of those came before 2000. The 2022 Astros represent the most recent champions using this stand-pat approach, suggesting the strategy can still deliver titles in modern baseball.