The New York Yankees initially offered a sound deal to Blake Snell. But the two-time Cy Young winner refused at first. It was because the former San Diego Padres ace pitcher was looking for a nine-year deal worth $270 million. That was too high for the 27-time champions. The Bronx Bombers initially offered the top starting pitcher, who is still a free agent, a six-year deal worth $150 million. As a result, the two parties could not come to an agreement. However, the problem for the NY side is the payroll issues, including the luxury taxes. That’s why the Yankees had been reluctant to sign a major deal with Blake Snell. Moreover, the case of Carlos Rodon is another reason why the NY side is hesitant enough to sign a big contract with a pitcher.
Last winter, the Yankees signed Rodon for a six-year deal worth $162 million. But Rodon had a very disappointing debut for the Pinstripes. That made the Yankees all the more apprehensive about the top two starting pitchers available in free agency at the moment – Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery. Moreover, they were relying heavily on Gerrit Cole, who won the American League Cy Young Award in 2023. But the current situation is where the NY side desperately needs an alternative. Hence, the question is if one more major addition is coming the NY side’s way.
Blake Snell Perfect Choice To Replicate The 2023 AL Cy Young Winner
Recently, Jon Heyman said Blake Snell is among the top options to replace Gerrit Cole. The AL 2023 Cy Young winner suffered a right elbow injury in the spring training. He might miss one to two months of game time. Cole’s absence can cause catastrophe for the NY side. Hence, it might be the perfect reason for the Yankees to go all-in for the two-time Cy Young winner. Snell was the NL Cy Young winner in 2023. Heyman of The Post said Snell’s free agency lasted into mid-March as he is the best hope for the Yankees to replace Cole.
In the last few months of the 2023 season, Snell was easily the best starting pitcher. He posted a 1.20 ERA starting from May 25. Moreover, Snell was precisely twice as good as the 2.40 mark of Kyle Bradish. Heyman also said some sources say Blake prefers the West Coast. But the main problem for the Yankees is that they are over the fourth-tier tax of Steve Cohen threshold. Moreover, the NY side will also have to pay 110% tax. Hence, a $30 million salary will bring the sum to a $33 million tax bill.
Snell To Yankees Is Still Unlikely
For a long time in the offseason, the two-time Cy Young winner has been linked to the NY side. But nothing really materialized since then. Initially, some rumors suggested that Snell was also one of those players who had a dream of playing for the Pinstripes. But the Yankees cannot match his asking price. It is still a lot for the Bronx Bombers. Anyway, a major addition at present will make the Yankees’ payroll situation a lot more difficult.
But without Cole, the starting pitching lineup will lose its backbone. This makes it even more risky for the Yankees if they truly want to win the World Series in 2024. Blake Snell can solve that issue. The Yankees, anyway, looked ready to go all-in this 2024 season. Hence, a deal would make a lot more sense for the NY side.
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