The New York Yankees had a pretty rough 2023 season. It could have been better if they had a better outfield and offense. Last year, the NY side had the second-worst batting average in the league. Moreover, the Bronx Bombers failed to make the postseason. To make things worse, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. They could not make the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, the NY side had the worst season in the last 30 years of the franchise’s history. Hence, they made significant changes this offseason. The Yankees landed Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham, and some more lefty sluggers. They really were looking for such hitters because the Yankee Stadium suits left-handed hitters.
However, the NY side was also looking for a starting pitcher. Initially, the plan was to land the biggest name from the international market, Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Moreover, the 27-time champions were very close to sealing the deal. However, at the last minute, the Los Angeles Dodgers offered $25 million and two years more. And the Japanese ace signed with the team on the West Coast. Since then, the Yankees have been looking at Blake Snell as he is the best starter available in free agency at present. Now, the question is how much the Bombers are willing to pay the two-time Cy Young winner.
Yankees Might Look To Surpass Rodon’s Price For Blake Snell
Initially, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported that the Yankees offered Snell a six-year deal worth $150 million. But the former San Diego Padres ace did not show any interest because his agent, Scott Boras, said the pitcher’s asking price is a nine-year deal worth $270 million. However, the Yankees have been afraid to go that far since the Carlos Rodon trade backfired. Last winter, they signed the talented pitcher for a $162 million deal. However, Rodon had an awful 2023 season. He really disappointed the people who hired him last winter.
Hence, the Yankees have been a bit apprehensive to sign Blake Snell or any pitcher for such a big deal. But lately, the New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Bronx Bombers are willing to go above “Rodon’s price” for Snell. Mainly because Blake Snell does not have an extensive injury history like the other pitchers. Moreover, fans and superstars of the franchise, like Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge, have been pushing the front office to sign Snell. Hence, the two-time Cy Young winner can get an annual salary of above $27 million that of Rodon’s.
What Is The Price Snell Is Really Looking For?
Blake Snell is really looking for an annual salary above $30 million. It can also be more than the $35 million a year mark. After Rodon’s six-year deal, Brian Cashman did not wish to go huge for the former San Diego Padres ace pitcher. Some Yankees people are even saying that they are not looking into the starter market anymore.
Anyway, the Yankees are looking for other pitching options available in the market. For instance, Keynan Middleton, Phil Maton, Ryan Brasier, and so on. But it is not just the New York Yankees as several other teams are still looking to bolster their pitching depth like the city rivals, the Mets.
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