Blake Snell entered MLB free agency as a two-time Cy Young Award winner and one of the best players available this winter. With the offseason drawing to a close and Snell still available, the New York Yankees reportedly could take advantage with a free-agent splash in spring training.
New York has long coveted Snell for its starting rotation. Following the departures of Frankie Montas and Luis Severino, one void in the Yankees rotation was filled by Marcus Stroman. Prior to his arrival, however, the club was in heavy pursuit of Snell.
- Blake Snell stats: 2.25 ERA, 11.7 K/9, 0.75 HR/9, 234-99 K-BB, 1.19 WHIP, 31.5 percent strikeout rate, .180 batting average allowed in 180 innings pitched
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Weeks later, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner is still available with no MLB rumors suggesting a signing is imminent. As some clubs turn their focus to preparing for Opening Day with pitchers and catchers already having reported to spring training, New York is hot after the former San Diego Padres ace.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Yankees still have “serious interest” in signing Snell. The club previously offered him a five-year deal worth $150 million, only pivoting to Stroman when Snell turned them down. Now, New York is making a running at adding them both to the Yankees rotation in 2024.
Interestingly, per Nightengale, New York is waiting for Snell’s asking price of a long-term deal to drop as the regular season draws closer. If it does, the standing Yankees contract offer seems to be over $35 million per season on a short-term deal.
It’s been reported that Snel isn’t willing to sign a one-year contract after winning his second Cy Young Award. However, fellow Scott Boras’ client Carlos Correa could provide a template for a type of deal New York and the front-line pitcher could agree to.
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- Blake Snell career stats: 3.20 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 1,223-451 K-BB, 11.1 K/9, 2.71 K/BB ratio
The Yankees could offer Snell a three-year contract worth at least $35 million annually that includes a player opt-out after the second season. It would provide him with a little more long-term security than just a one-year deal, while also giving him with a chance to cash in again after the 2025 season.
Considering the injury concerns still remaining in the Yankees rotation, Snell would be a fantastic addition to a club that already has favorable World Series odds in 2024. However, several other MLB teams remain in the mix and Boras has earned a reputation for holding out until he gets the deal he wants for his clients.
