As spring training commences, the New York Yankees are actively pursuing free agent left-handed pitcher and reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Reports from USA Today and MLB.com indicate that the Yankees have extended an offer to Snell, although negotiations are still ongoing, with SNY suggesting that a deal is not imminent. Despite the Yankees’ interest, other teams on the West Coast, namely the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants, are also vying for Snell’s services.
Earlier in the offseason, it was rumored that the Yankees proposed a six-year deal worth $150 million to Snell, which falls slightly below the contract awarded to Carlos Rodón by the Yankees last offseason (six years, $162 million). However, it remains unclear if any other teams have made formal offers to Snell at this juncture, though discussions regarding financial terms have likely taken place between Snell’s agent, Scott Boras, and interested franchises.
After failing to secure Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Yankees swiftly pivoted and inked Marcus Stroman to a two-year contract. Stroman and Rodón are set to join reigning AL Cy Young recipient Gerrit Cole in the rotation, alongside Nestor Cortes and Clarke Schmidt. Despite the depth, injuries plagued several members of the rotation last season, underscoring the need for reliable arms like Snell, who has proven capable of dominating opposing lineups.
Snell’s performance earned him recognition as one of the top free agents of the offseason, ranking sixth overall. His ability to generate swings and misses is undeniable, though concerns persist regarding his control, as evidenced by his high walk rate. Nonetheless, his talent and potential to impact games significantly make him an attractive target for pitching-needy teams like the Yankees.
It’s worth noting that the Yankees’ payroll currently exceeds the competitive balance tax threshold of $297 million, subjecting them to significant tax penalties for every dollar spent beyond this limit. Therefore, any deal with Snell would have financial implications for the franchise.
At 31 years old, Snell is coming off a stellar season with the San Diego Padres, where he boasted a 2.25 ERA and recorded 234 strikeouts over 180 innings, earning him his second Cy Young accolade. While his performance between Cy Young awards was solid, it’s clear that Snell has the potential to be a difference-maker for teams eyeing postseason success.
Despite their disappointing 2023 campaign, the Yankees are determined to reclaim their championship pedigree, with manager Aaron Boone expressing their unwavering commitment to winning. Adding Snell to their roster would undoubtedly bolster their pursuit of a World Series title.
