Yankees statement on passing of Rachel Minaya

NEW YORK — The Yankees observed a moment of silence on Monday in remembrance of Rachel Minaya, the wife of Yankees baseball operations senior advisor Omar Minaya, who passed away on Saturday. She was 55.

“My heart goes out to O and his family in this situation,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after the club’s 9-1 victory over the Rays at Yankee Stadium. “I think we’re all heartbroken.”

Rachel Minaya was found unconscious and unresponsive at the family’s Harrington Park, N.J. home, according to the Bergen County (N.J.) Prosecutor’s Office, who said the circumstances involved do not appear suspicious. A ruling on the cause and manner of death is pending.

In a statement, the Yankees said that they were “devastated” to learn of Minaya’s passing.

“To those closest to her, she was a loving and compassionate mother and wife, and a huge supporter of her family and loved ones,” the team said. “In a very short time, Omar has become a beloved member of the Yankees organization, where he regularly displays his unique ability to connect with people of diverse backgrounds.

“Over the course of his distinguished career in the game, he has freely given to others with kindness and friendship, and in this unthinkable time, we offer Omar, his sons Justin and Teddy, and their family and friends our profound condolences. His family is an extension of the baseball family, and this is a loss that is deeply felt among all of us.”

This marks Omar Minaya’s second season in the Yankees organization, having been named to his current position on Jan. 5, 2023. He spent 2022 as an amateur scouting consultant for Major League Baseball following several years with the Mets, serving as a special assistant to the general manager (2017-20) and as a club ambassador (2020-22).

That represented Minaya’s third stint with the Mets, following posts as the club’s executive vice president and general manager (2004-10) and senior assistant general manager (1997-2002). Minaya also was named baseball’s first Hispanic general manager when he was hired by the Montreal Expos in February 2002.

In a statement released by the Mets, owners Steve and Alex Cohen said: “We were tremendously saddened to learn of Rachel Minaya’s passing. Omar had a substantial impact on our organization and his wife, Rachel, was always by his side every step of the way. The Minayas have been dear friends of ours for years and we extend our deepest condolences to Omar’s entire family and loved ones.”