TAMPA — Top free agent pitcher Blake Snell’s camp and the Yankees continue to discuss possible scenarios, but they spoke again on Monday, but so far no major progress has been made, just talks. It’s nothing more than that.
It’s clear why the Yankees continue these discussions. Snell would give the Yankees a Cy Young Award winner and make them the clear favorite to win the American League.
While that’s appealing, the downside is also clear. Signing Snell now would subject him to a 110 percent tax, meaning the transfer would cost more than twice his salary.
The Yankees continue to keep the lines of communication open, a sign of club owner Hal Steinbrenner’s determination to win. Unfortunately, Monday’s game seemed like a no-go between the two teams. (Yankees officials said the possibility of a deal is extremely slim.)
But as long as they’re talking, you have to assume there’s a chance.
The Yankees like Snell and can afford him (although they obviously don’t like the tax implications). Additionally, it’s unclear how many teams remain on the market that could land a $30 million player. The Yankees also like the other top starter left on the free agent market, former Yankee Jordan Montgomery, but rumors say they prefer Snell.
However, it is clear that this is a debate that requires a breakthrough.
Both parties have ideas, but neither likes the other’s idea.
Snell’s agent, Scott Boras, is the latest to propose an alternative concept of a short-term contract with a higher AAV and opt-outs, similar to the way Cody Bellinger signed with the Cubs. . But the Yankees don’t think that will work for them. That’s because higher AAVs mean higher taxes, and opting out could mean giving up draft options for short-term stars.
A few weeks ago, the Yankees made a publicly known offer to Snell, which was first reported by the Post. The bidding period was five years, and it was thought the Yankees were willing to go for a sixth year at nearly $28 million a year (or slightly more than the $27 million they gave Carlos Rodon). That didn’t sit well with Snell.
There’s been a lot of talk in the clubhouse about that possibility as the two teams talk. Superstar, team captain, and sometime advisor Aaron Judge spoke hopeful about the possibility of another pick-up upon arrival (though Judge is not referring to anyone). (He did not say whether he had inside information or not.) “I definitely think there might be another move along the way. But you never know. Let’s see,” the judge said at the time. Although Snell’s name was not spoken, it is believed that some of the loudest voices in the clubhouse are his supporters.
They all understand this very well. Signing Snell would solve the remaining question hanging over the head of a team that is a favorite to win the AL East and is in great shape with a star-studded squad: rotation depth.
“Looking at our starting rotation, I’m pretty happy with them,” Steinbrenner told the Post. “Look, we lost some players in trades, right? So depth is a concern. But we have [Luis] Gil.we have [Will] Warren. I’ll probably meet him someday. Probably both. ”
That’s the story of pitching. It doesn’t keep you healthy.
I plan to review them all at some point. After Rodon, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortez’s first spring appearances, reviews have been mixed to mostly positive, but questions remain.
No. 5 starter Clark Schmidt looked great in live batting practice sessions (averaging over 95 mph). If they add Snell, he may lose his spot (assuming everyone else is healthy). I can hear the chatter, but to his credit, he doesn’t seem fazed. “Whatever rumors come out, I can’t worry about them because I worry all day long, especially here,” Schmidt said.
But Schmidt understands that.
“I’m a sports fan too,” Schmidt said. [stars] In the same way. “
The same goes for teams, and it would be foolish to think there’s no market for a two-time Cy Young Award winner. It’s not yet clear what that is.
The Red Sox clearly need pitching help, but they seem to be watching Montgomery more closely (and don’t necessarily seem to be in a spending mood anyway).
The Angels also need help and have plenty of room to stay below the tax threshold. However, it remains unclear whether they will make any expenditures.
The Giants could use some help, especially as they compete in the National League West with America’s super team, the Dodgers. They have indicated they don’t expect a bigger contract, but they want to win.
Arguably the best free agent in baseball, the Phillies were one of many to offer Yoshinobu Yamamoto $300 million. So they and others are left with the spoils.
As for the Yankees, the situation is not one to be optimistic about, but it cannot be taken lightly. Schmidt isn’t worried about his position, but rumors are flying around, “especially here,” as he says.
That’s the problem. The Yankees do make news, and they make good business sense. Snell’s chances of signing with the Yankees aren’t particularly promising at this point, but it’s difficult to rule it out completely.
