While most New York Yankees fans don’t expect the team to add one of the big free-agent pitchers still available before the start of the season, the team’s owner gave supporters reason to believe it’s not impossible.
The Yankees are in the early stages of preparation for the 2024 MLB season and there is solid hope around their spring training that they can be a contender this season. Aaron Judge and Carlos Rodon staying healthy and returning to their 2022 form will be key but All-Stars Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman are sure to make an impact in their first seasons with the franchise.
However, some still feel they are one big piece away — especially in the starting rotation — from being a legitimate contender to topple defending champions the Texas Rangers in 2024. That is why they have been linked to 2023 Cy Young winner Blake Snell and Yankees veteran Jordan Montgomery for months.
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New York Yankees schedule (2024): Opening day on March 28 vs. Houston Astros
Yet despite both pitchers being a good fit for the New York Yankees, talks have not gotten much traction, despite reported interest from the Yankees, because of the high asking price from their agent Scott Boras. A short-term deal with a high annual average would also bring huge salary tax penalties for the organization. However, the team’s owner seems open to that cost for the right player.
“I’m just going to tell you that we continue to look at a lot of different options,” Hal Steinbrenner said after a full-squad workout on Thursday. “Given where we are payroll-wise, any addition to the club is going to be a costly one, but I’m still willing to consider anything that comes my way, anything [General Manager Brian Cashman] and his team brings my way. I’ll leave it at that.
“But we are not done trying to improve this team … There’s still things we’re looking at, whether it’s trades or signings,” he added (via the New York Post). “I’m not saying anything is going to happen, I’m not saying something’s not going to happen. But I’m still willing to improve this team however we can.”
So you’re saying there’s a chance? A contract of $40 million for Snell, for example, would mean the team would probably pay over $70 million for him this season due to where they are at in terms of yearly tax penalties and salary thresholds.
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