The New York Yankees are just over two weeks away from spring training. While many do not anticipate any more significant off-season moves, the Bombers are, in fact, active in free agency. As per reports, the Yanks still remain in play for pitching reinforcements ahead of the 2024 season.
However, the Yankees’ options are sliming down with each passing day. Regardless, two-time CY Young award-winning pitcher Blake Snell is still a free agent. Though the Yanks made an offer, Snell countered it with a ridiculous ask. However, despite the franchise backing out from the pursuit, a strong recommendation could change things massively.
Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole Reportedly Influenced Yankees To Pursue Blake Snell!
Blake Snell, the defending NL CY Young pitcher, is still without a contract with only weeks ahead of spring training. The pitcher apparently is seeking a $250+ million contract. However, the MLB teams do not consider Snell worth that much money. But the pitcher is banking on his dual CY Young titles to do the job. Meanwhile, earlier this month, reports suggested that the New York Yankees were in talks with Blake Snell. Before the team signed Marcus Stroman, the front office allegedly made a six-year $150 million offer to Snell. However, the free agent seemingly rejected it, citing more money and additional years. Bob Nightengale of USA Today also stated that Snell asked for $270 million over a nine-year contract.
Having said that, the New York Yankees are reportedly being influenced to pursue Blake Snell. Jon Heyman of the New York Post claims Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole have put strong recommendations for the pitcher to the front office. However, to what extent those recommendations will matter is yet unknown. Both Judge and Cole think highly of Snell. They truly believe the pitcher can be a difference-maker in the future. However, the financial implications of the potential deal continue to be a roadblock in Yank’s pursuit. The club desperately wants Blake Snell to budge. However, the pitcher’s camp continues to play on his in records and award-winning seasons. Overall, as spring training inches closer, Snell’s free agency will take new turns, thus keeping the fans hooked.
Yanks Linked To Cody Bellinger In Surprise Move!
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are being linked to former free agency interest Cody Bellinger in a splash move. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes that with Anthony Rizzo’s contract coming to an end post-2024, the team can use Bellinger in first base. He can switch roles in 2024 and be a full-time starter in 2025. Rizzo has a club option for 2025, which the club is likely to decline owing to the baseman’s recent stats.
Cody Bellinger remained the Yankees’ top outfield target until they signed Juan Soto. Regardless, the slugger’s flexibility could come in handy to the Bronx Bombers, given they make a move. So far, the Chicago Cubs are leading the race to re-sign Bellinger. But the Toronto Blue Jays remain equally in play. By next week, fans can expect Bellinger’s fate to be sealed.
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