The New York Yankees have been looking for a starting pitcher since the offseason started last year. At first, they were the hot favorites to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Japanese sensation. They offered the multiple-time Sawamura winner a pretty good deal of ten years worth $300 million. However, the biggest international free agent coming to MLB this year chose the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Bronx Bombers. The Dodgers landed Yamamoto after offering him two years and $25 million more than what the 27-time champions did. It was heartbreaking for the Yankees Nation.
Moreover, it was humiliating for Brian Cashman and the front office. But then the next best free agent, as in a starting pitcher, has been Blake Snell. The former San Diego Padres star has won two Cy Young awards in his career so far. He could have been a perfect fit alongside Gerrit Cole. The Yankees ace won the AL Cy Young last year. However, despite the NY side having been the favorite to land Snell, things are not moving forward at all. Now, the fans fear that, like Yamamoto, Cashman will lose Snell, too. Perhaps the Houston Astros can sign Blake Snell over the Yankees.
Will Astros Land Blake Snell?
Already, the Houston Astros surprised the baseball fans when they agreed to make Josh Hader the highest-paid reliever in baseball. They can even shock the pundits by signing Blake Snell. It might send Brian Cashman crying back home if he was not really taking the Snell pursuit seriously. Next season, arguably, the Yankees will be the biggest competition for the Houston Astros in the American League. There are some really good teams in the American League West. For instance, the Seattle Mariners and the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are the reigning World Series champions. Then, in the AL East, there is, of course, the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles had the best season in franchise history last year.
They topped the AL East Division. Even in 2024, the Orioles look like the biggest threat for the Yankees to win their division. However, the NY side looks really like having the most imposing lineup. Their offense with Aaron Judge and Juan Soto seems to be the best in the league. If the players can stay healthy, they can go a long way this year. Moreover, the Yankees were also looking at Dylan Cease as a viable option in the offseason. But then they backed off because of a too high price tag. On the other hand, the Astros can get both Cease and Snell, shocking the Yankees ahead of the 2024 season.
Why Astros Should Not Back Off From Landing Blake Snell?
The Houston Astros showed interest in Blake Snell since last year’s trade deadline. But at present, the Astros have blown the last year’s payroll and crossed the Competitive Balance Tax limit. Hence, any deal they would execute will come with extra money to the contract. But at the moment, the Astros need another proven starter. Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are out until mid-season.
Then, the veteran former Cy Young winner Justin Verlander has been suffering because of shoulder issues lately. He has been struggling since his age 41 season. As Cody Bellinger signed a short-term deal with high annual average value (AAV) with the Chicago Cubs, the Houston Astros might like to do the same with Blake Snell.
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