The New York Yankees are cooking in the Grapefruit League so far. Barring a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Bombers registered commanding victories in each of the games played until now. The formidable roster performed up to expectations until now, with a few prospects also stepping up on the occasion.
However, regardless, the Yankees front office still remains active in the pitching market. As confirmed earlier by Aaron Judge and Hal Steinbrenner, the team isn’t done trying to improve the roster, thus fueling Blake Snell’s rumors. Moreover, a recent rumor suggests the two parties got in touch again this week. Could a move be finally on the cards?
Yankees-Blake Snell Negotiations See No Headway In Latest Meet
Two-time CY Young pitcher Blake Snell is still a free agent with less than four weeks before the 2024 MLB season opening day. While the New York Yankees displayed sincere interest, Snell continued to play the vicious chasing game. His agent, Scott Boras, is adamant on a $270 million ask, which Hal Steinbrenner simply cannot afford. However, as per Jon Heyman of the NY Post, the club reached out to Snell again on Monday this week. But no resolution prevailed. Moreover, a Yankee source indicated to Heyman that a move could be unlikely at the moment. However, Jon Heyman firmly believes that as long as talks persist, chances of a potential deal coming to fruition cannot be diminished.
“As long as they’re talking, we have to assume there’s a chance,” said Heyman. Having said that, Scott Boras interestingly suggested a counteroffer to the Yankees. The offer included a short-term deal with high AAV and several opt-outs. However, Hal Steinbrenner rejected the deal as higher AAV would result in additional luxury tax penalties. Notably, the Yanks’ competitive tax balance is already above the highest threshold. And Blake Snell’s signing would cost them 110% in taxes on every dollar spent on the pitcher. Thus, the Bronx Bombers’ hesitancy is understandable. Still, Steinbrenner is ready to take the plunge for the betterment of the franchise. But regardless, to reach a conclusion, Snell has to find a common ground. There aren’t many teams in the market willing to spend $30 million on a starting pitcher. Either he settles with Yanks or misses an entire season; the choice is Snell’s to make.
Yanks Might Pivot To Ace Dylan Cease
In another rumor, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale suggests that the New York Yankees would prefer trading for Dylan Cease than signing Blake Snell in a hefty contract. Moreover, the club even tried to poach Cease. But the talks with the Chicago White Sox stalled after the latter asked for Spencer Jones to be included in the deal.
Yankees’ No. 2 prospect, Spencer Jones, is a highly regarded outfielder capable of eclipsing Aaron Judge. Thus, the Yankees made it clear that Jones was not up for sale. However, the White Sox aren’t expected to settle for less, either. Therefore, for the time being, neither Dylan Cease nor Blake Snell’s deal seems to be coming through.
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