Yankees
Blake Snell poses at spring training. (K.C. Alfred/The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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The New York Yankees had been struggling with star power in their roster in the last few seasons. That’s what they tried to work on this offseason. Moreover, the NY side, with one superstar slugger (Aaron Judge) and one superstar ace pitcher (Gerrit Cole), has not been enough to take them to the postseason. For instance, the Bronx Bombers failed to make the postseason last year for the first time since 2016. They did not have a great offense and outfield. Moreover, the 27-time champions finished the 2023 season with the second-worst batting average.

That’s why they decided to sign some quality outfielders this winter. And they did land the best of the best. Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo sure raise hopes for the Yankees Nation. After their smart buys this offseason, the NY side looks like the most improved outfield in terms of WAR. Moreover, the Juan Soto and Aaron Judge duo surely raised their chances of winning their division. But without a solid ace pitcher besides the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, the Yankees don’t look like the best in the AL East. Chances are, like last year, the Baltimore Orioles will win the AL East again.

   

Can Yankees Beat Orioles To Win AL East This Year?

Yankees
Getty Images/Ringer illustration

Recently, the Orioles signed Corbin Burnes. The Yankees have been after this guy for a long time. But again, they let a team take away another ace pitcher. Moreover, the biggest starting pitcher in this free agency has been Blake Snell. He has been a trade target of the Bronx Bombers for a long time as well. But they have not yet agreed to any negotiations. The spring training is beginning soon. But the Yankees could not find a suitable partner as a starting pitcher for Gerrit Cole. Recently, the host of a popular MLB podcast, Wake N Jake, mentioned if the Yankees can get Blake Snell, they will be the strongest team in the AL East.

Otherwise, the host has his concerns over the Yankees rotation. He said it doesn’t look good without Snell. As Talkin’ Yanks, the popular MLB host, mentioned, if they keep Snell “Pending,” the Orioles will eventually win the American League East division. Moreover, Wake N Jake said he can’t even promise if the Yankees will finish second without Snell. Like Aaron Judge, Blake Snell made his MLB debut in 2016. The Tampa Bay Rays selected him in the 2011 MLB Draft. Since then, Blake Snell won two Cy Young Awards in AL and in NL as well. 

So Far, Only The Pinstripes Made The Offer To Snell

Blake Snell Padres
Blake Snell Padres Source: CBS Sports

Prior to the 2021 season, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Blake Snell to the San Diego Padres. Later, at the end of the 2023 season, Snell became a free agent. But this offseason, the two-time Cy Young winner did not expect to be in this situation. Moreover, his asking price, as per his agent Scott Boras, might be too much for the Yankees. The NY side offered him a six-year deal worth $150 million.

However, his asking price is a nine-year deal worth $270 million. Only time can tell if he will lower his asking price. Or perhaps another team can swoop in and land him. However, Blake Snell might have to wait till the start of the Spring Training to actually make up his mind regarding his MLB future. 

Stay tuned with Sports News International for more such updates about your favorite MLB team.