The New York Yankees announced Thursday that manager Joe Girardi will not return to manage the team for the 2018 season.

"I want to thank Joe for his 10 years of hard work and service to this organization," said Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman in a statement released by the team. "Everything this organization does is done with careful and thorough consideration, and we've decided to pursue alternatives for the managerial position."

Cashman went on to hail Girardi as a "tremendous Yankee" on and off the field. 

The Yankees, who were believed to be rebuilding this past season, came one game away from playing in the World Series. They were eliminated last week in Game 7 of the ALCS by the Houston Astros, leaving some fans surprised by the decision not to bring him back.

Girardi had a 910-710 record as manager, the sixth-highest win total among Yankee managers in history. Under him, the team reached the postseason six times and won three American League East titles. He was a member of the 1996, 1998 and 1999 World Series championship teams as a player. And he guided the Yankees to their 27th World Series win in 2009 as manager.

"With a heavy heart, I come to you because the Yankees have decided not to bring me back," Girardi said in a statement released through his agent. "I'd like to thank the Steinbrenner family for believing in me and giving me this wonderful opportunity."

The 53-year-old's contract expired at the end of the season, and a strained relationship with the front office in recent years could have played a role in the decision.