In 2018, when the Mets were looking to fill their vacancy at general manager, the team asked the Yankees permission to speak to vice president of baseball operations Tim Naehring.

Naehring politely declined the chance, citing his happiness with his current position and desire to continue living with his family in the Cincinnati area.

That did not keep Naehring from remaining top-of-mind to many other teams. This year, the list of teams looking for new general managers or heads of baseball operations includes the Phillies, Marlins, Angels and, shortly after the World Series, the Mets.

But according to league sources, Naehring remains highly unlikely to bolt the Yankees for any of these jobs. He has told colleagues he is happy where he is, and does not plan to leave for a more glamorous title or more power elsewhere.

This is good news for Brian Cashman, who leans on Naehring as his top evaluator, the first one whose eye is sharp enough to draw comparisons to the legendary Gene Michael. Cashman also relies on Naehring, a former player, to translate analytics-derived concepts to coaches and more traditional baseball people in the organization.

The Yankees’ front office depends on a delicate balance between scouts like Naehring and Jim Hendry and analysts like Michael Fishman. Cashman listens to input from both and renders decisions.

For several years, Naehring has been not only the highest-ranking evaluator, but an important bridge between the two approaches. That dynamic appears likely to continue.

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