The New York Yankees find themselves at a crucial crossroads regarding their pitching roster. Gerrit Cole, a prominent figure in the team, is fully invested in the prospect of augmenting their pitching arsenal. This potential addition involves teaming up with free-agent ace Blake Snell, which could create a dynamic pairing for the Yankees, setting the stage for a unique convergence of defending Cy Young Award winners.
Numerous reports, including insights from NJ Advance Media, have indicated the Yankees’ contemplation of incorporating Snell into their rotation, albeit at the right cost. Even Cole, known for his astute judgment of talent, reportedly supports this move, as mentioned by Jon Heyman of The New York Post.
However, Heyman introduces a cautionary note into the narrative: Considering the preceding negotiations with Yamamoto, there’s a concern whether Snell, represented by Scott Boras, might leverage the Yankees’ interest to inflate his market value and potentially sign elsewhere.
Reflecting on Carlos Rodón’s performance in the previous season, where he signed a lucrative six-year, $162 million deal with the Yankees, the team might harbor reservations about taking a gamble on a comparable pitcher. Snell, a 31-year-old left-hander known for oscillating between impressive and inconsistent seasons, presents a potential risk in this regard.
Snell’s track record exemplifies this inconsistency. While his 2023 season showcased a remarkable 14-9 record with a 2.25 ERA, his preceding two years witnessed a combined 15-16 record with a 3.79 ERA. Even Rodon, before sealing his deal with the Yankees, demonstrated consecutive seasons with sub-three ERAs, bolstering his case for the contract.
Randy Miller of NJ Advance Media, citing insights from a source familiar with the Yankees’ strategy, reported the team’s inclination to potentially reunite with Jordan Montgomery. Despite Montgomery being another 31-year-old lefty, he boasts a more stable track record marked by consistent improvements in his ERA over the past three seasons. His evolution showcased a 3.83 ERA in 2021, a 3.48 ERA in 2022, and a career-low 3.20 ERA in 2023.
However, the hitch lies in Montgomery potentially commanding an inflated contract this offseason, given the extravagant deals witnessed in the market, including Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million contract with the Dodgers and his World Series win, enhancing his market value.
Both Snell and Montgomery eye potential six or seven-year deals, estimated to surpass $150 million, as projected by MLB Trade Rumors. This projection indicates an average annual value of at least $25 million, pushing the Yankees’ payroll beyond $300 million.
Owner Hal Steinbrenner had previously hinted at a willingness to shoulder such payroll obligations while Yamamoto was still in contention. With the recent acquisition of Juan Soto via trade in December, Steinbrenner might find himself compelled to persist with this high payroll trajectory, driven by the imperative to maintain competitiveness and fortify the team’s prospects.
Leave a Reply