With the 2024 season opening day on the horizon, the New York Yankees are sweating it out in the Grapefruit League. A lot of players have surprised with their impressive temperament. And the regular starters are also doing a fine job. Having said that, the club’s quest to bolster the roster is still on.
The New York Yankees are still onto Blake Snell to close a potential deal before opening day. While monetary constraints have played a roadblock, time is running out for Snell. Amid this, a utility player who re-signed with LA Dodgers revealed being in touch with the Bronx Bombers before eventually making the tough choice.
Kike Hernandez Ditched Yankees To Re-Sign With Dodgers This Off-Season
Kike Hernandez, the versatile infielder/outfielder, entered free agency this off-season after his contract with LA Dodgers came to an end. However, in an interesting move, the utility players went back to LA on a one-year $4 million deal. Having said that, Hernandez made a startling revelation about his free agency on Foul Territory Podcast. He confessed to having talked to the New York Yankees about a potential deal. But he chose the LA Dodgers as he was more confident about his chances of getting a start in LA. The right-handed hitter explained that the Dodgers’ lineup is lefty-dominated, which elevates his chances of getting a game against left-handed pitchers. On the flip side, Yanks have a balanced unit.
Thus, he would only be promoted in case of injuries of off-days to regular starters. Regardless of his free agency decision, Kike Hernandez has nothing but respect for the New York Yankees. “I was already late to spring, I didn’t have to pack my bags and fly to Florida and all that,” said Hernandez. That being said, Yanks’ pursuit of Kike reflects the front office’s desire to add depth to the bench. The team currently possesses Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza as utility options. But besides them, the depth is limited. However, Hernandez is not necessarily a lost opportunity for the Bronx Bombers. He has a career average of .239 with .719 OPS. The 32-year-old has spent most of his career in Los Angeles, and thus, his temptation to extend his stay with the Dodgers is understandable. Overall, the Yanks seem unlikely to make any moves this off-season, given a drastic change in Blake Snell’s ambitious ask.
Bombers-Blake Snell Negotiations Hit Stalemate
Blake Snell continues to be a person of interest for the New York Yankees. They tried to convince him to find a common ground and lower his ask. However, the two-time CY Young pitcher refuses to budge. He either wants a long-term contract for $270 million or a short-term deal consisting of multiple opt-out options and higher AAV.
Both these scenarios wouldn’t work for the New York Yankees. Hal Steinbrenner is wary of the soaring payroll. Notably, the 2024 season CTB has already surpassed the $297 million luxury tax threshold, which will result in 110% tax penalties. To accommodate a coveted pitcher like Snell under these circumstances is no less than a daunting task for the Bombers.
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