ESPN: Yankees Linked To Two-Time The Cy Young Winner Expected To Sign A $105 Million Contract.
After losing their opening two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, the New York Yankees are making an effort to rally. The Bombers will, however, shortly begin to consider how to assemble their 2025 roster. Blake Snell, a free agent pitcher, might fit into New York’s rotation.
Jim Bowden of The Athletic revealed probable destinations and contract forecasts for forty-five players who might become free agents in November on October 24. He listed the Yankees as one of the two-time Cy Young Award winner’s “best team fits.” The San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and Baltimore Orioles joined them.
Last winter, Snell sought a long-term contract, but it never materialized. On March 20, he agreed to a two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants. He had a 0–3 record with a 9.51 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 23.2 innings throughout his first six starts in 2024. On July 9, he made his comeback from the disabled list and improved his season. Snell finished with a 5-0 record, a 1.23 ERA, and 114 strikeouts in his final 80.1 innings of work.
When the chance arises, it is anticipated that the southpaw will employ his opt-out clause. Bowden believes the Scott Boras client will agree to a three-year contract worth $105 million.
Blake Snell was pursued by the Yankees last winter.
As Snell gets closer to free agency, having the Yankees associated with him may seem like a cliche. This is due to the fact that the southpaw was frequently mentioned as a possible destination by the Bombers throughout the previous winter.
Additionally, the Bombers were among the few organizations that were reported to make the left-handed ace a formal contract offer. Boras and company attempted to get a price of over $200 million, but it was only worth $150 million.
Rather than attempting to reach a compromise and convince Snell to move to the Bronx, general manager Brian Cashman quickly changed course. Instead, he agreed to a two-year, $37 million contract with Marcus Stroman, the starting pitcher.
Snell’s Potential Role in the Yankees’ 2025 Rotation
The Yankees’ 2025 rotation raises several questions that need to be addressed this winter. Gerrit Cole, the staff ace, is the most significant of all. Of his $324 million contract, he has the option to opt out of the last $144 million. But according to Bowden, he won’t.
Stroman, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt, Luis Gil, and Nestor Cortes are among the members of the 2024 squad who are expected to return. Cortes, though, has been regarded as New York’s best offseason trade asset. Therefore, if the Yankees decide to go for Snell once more, some room could be created for him. In his last year of arbitration, Cortes is expected to make $7.7 million.
