Blake Snell News: Yankees Stars' Pushed Team to Sign Former Padres' Ace This Offseason
Those who support the Bronx Bombers would love to see starting pitcher Blake Snell sit atop the Yankees' rotation alongside Gerrit Cole.
Both are reigning Cy Young winners operating from the left and right sides. Snell has loads of experience pitching in the AL East based on his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. Theoretically, a Cole-Snell duo would be among the best in not only the American League but in all of baseball.
Most recently, Bob Nightengale reported that the Yankees have been the only team thus far to offer Snell a contract. Allegedly, it's far lower than the numbers Snell is looking for.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post can corroborate this report to an extent. In a notebook written this Sunday, Heyman offered this nugget relating to the pursuit of Snell:
"Though the Yankees made an offer for Blake Snell, part of their hesitation in extending what Snell’s camp considers a “market” bid seems to be the rough first year of Carlos Rodon, who got $162 million. Snell’s camp points out he’s differentiated by winning two Cy Youngs, having no past Tommy John, more recent innings (486 2/3 since 2020) and even better platform year.
Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge recommended the signing of Snell early, but the sides are too far apart for recommendations to make a difference."
It has been mentioned in certain circles that Judge and Snell are good friends. It would only be natural for All-Star level players to want to team up with fellow impact athletes.
In this case, the preexisting money tied up in other arms -- namely Carlos Rodon -- might be too much for the Yankees to overcome. There's always the chance Snell takes somewhat of a discount to play with a contender. He could even take a shorter deal with a higher AAV (similar to what players have done recently with the Dodgers).
At this point, it's anyone's guess as to where the talented left-handed pitcher will end up.
