The New York Yankees had a great depth in their pitching department last season. But where did it take them? Nowhere. The NY side could not even make the postseason. Moreover, they finished with an awful 82-80 record. However, the fans must be glad that at least they maintained their streak of winning seasons. But that is just not good enough for a team like the 27-time champions. Hence, when the offseason began, the front office decided to leave no stone unturned in order to get the best team available ahead of the 2024 season. They used a lot of resources from their bullpen.
But while the Yankees improved their outfield and offense vastly, they were suffering because of a worsening pitching situation. It could have been a better situation for them if they were able to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But that is in the past, and there is no point dwelling on it. Hence, the Yankees made some smart choices. Lately, they signed Marcus Stroman for a two-year contract worth $37 million. Moreover, they have also offered the best-starting pitcher available in the market. However, Blake Snell has refused the NY side’s offer, making it more risky for himself.
Yankees Are The Only Team To Offer The Top Starting Pitcher A Pretty Good Deal
Clearly, time is running out for the former San Diego Padres star pitcher. He refused the Yankees lately. The NY side offered a pretty good deal to Blake Snell worth $150 million over six years. But MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand mentioned sources tell him that Snell is looking for more money and longer term. But the catchers and pitchers start their spring training on February 14. Moreover, offers are coming at a slow pace to Snell. It has been so slow that Mark said on January 20, 2024, that the Yankees are the only team to have made a signing offer to the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
However, there are a few more teams, like the Boston Red Sox and also the Los Angeles Angels, who showed interest in Blake Snell. But Mark Feinsand said the refusal of the Yankees’ offer proved that Snell is looking for a deal that might be a bit too high. As per MLB Trade Rumors, Blake Snell might sign a seven-year deal worth $200 million. That’s a $28.5 million annual average value. Moreover, the Yankees fell short in terms of dollars per year as they offered a $25 million annual average value. And in length by a year as well.
The Pinstripes Signed Marcus Stroman Instead Of Snell
Moreover, the Yankees needed to bolster the depth of their pitching department. That’s why the NY side did not lose hope after Snell’s refusal. Instead, they signed the 30-year-old Seattle native Marcus Stroman for a two-year deal worth $37 million. If Stroman can pitch over 140 innings in 2025, there might be good news for him.
Additionally, his current deal can turn into $55 million over three years. Moreover, fans thought the Yankees would ensure a long-term deal with Blake Snell. But they chose the Long Island native. Sure, Stroman is pretty average compared to Blake Snell. But if he stays healthy, he can come in handy for Aaron Boone’s side.
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