Breaking: Yankees’ Agree To Sign $270 Million Pitcher After New Contract Demands
The New York Yankees were already battling with a number of serious injuries in the starting rotation at this stage in the 2023 off-season. Luckily, as they continue to prepare for the 2024 campaign, they have been comparatively healthy over the last few weeks.
Spring training is supposed to help Carlos Rodon get over his difficult patch, even though he has given up a few home runs in his last two appearances. When the regular season begins, it is anticipated that Rodon will be in good shape, elevating a much more effective version of the pitcher the Yankees signed to a six-year, $162-million contract last off-season.
The Yankees Could Re-Engage With Blake Snell
But as spring training moves along and there’s still plenty of time for things to turn around, the Yankees might refocus on Blake Snell.
The 2023 NL Cy Young Award winner is said to have adjusted his contract demands, most notably because he is unlikely to receive a long-term offer. Snell might instead choose to sign a short-term contract with opt-outs, and if the Yankees think the agreement makes sense, they might be open to accepting it.
According to Jon Heyman, “reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell is fine doing a short-term deal with opt-outs, while star free agent Jordan Montgomery still seeks a long deal.”
Compromising on a Realistic Contract
A few weeks ago, it was rumored that Snell desired a contract worth over $270 million spread over nine years. However, that expectation has since decreased to a small portion of the proposed deal. When Snell returned with absurd demands, the Yankees promptly turned to Marcus Stroman, rejecting their offer of a five-year contract in the neighborhood of $150 million.
He would obviously greatly improve the rotation. After throwing 180 innings the previous season, the 31-year-old recorded a 2.25 ERA, 11.70 strikeouts per nine, 86.7% left on base, and 44.4% ground ball rate. Having never tossed more than 130 innings twice in his eight-year career, he has struggled with durability. He would, however, undoubtedly be the final piece in a club that hopes to win a World Series this coming season.
General manager Brian Cashman appears content to continue with his present rotation for the duration of the season. Even if they had to pay the 110% luxury tax, he might have to think about Snell as a viable acquisition if any injuries or problems occur.
