It seems like every baseball season, one team makes a trade or a signing that significantly impacts the course of their respective season for the better. Last year, it was the Astros acquiring All-Star ace Justin Verlander on Trade Deadline day. This season, the New York Yankees need to be the team that makes a splash, and they must get an excellent starter in the shape of Blake Snell.
The Undercover Ace:
Buried in mediocrity in Tampa Bay, Snell only made the All-Star game this year when Corey Kluber of the Indians pulled out, opening up a spot for the 25-year-old left-hander. His stats suggest it shouldn’t have taken this long for him to be included in this year’s All-Star roster. In a season in which the rays are already 18 games out of first place in the AL East, Snell has been an immense bright spot, posting a 12-5 record with a 2.27 ERA and already 137 strikeouts at the All-Star break, including a 4-0 stretch in which he posted an outstanding ERA of 0.63. Looking at some of his work, it’s clear to see why he is so successful: confidence. Confidence in his breaking pitches that leave even the best hitters looking silly. Such as our very own Giancarlo Stanton:
Blake Snell, Nasty 82mph Curveball. ?
Hey @usacricket this may be relevant to your interests. pic.twitter.com/HeiIskHLUA
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 15, 2018
The Yankees need another left-hander to fill the void left by Jordan Montgomery after the season-ending injury he sustained. Snell is the answer.
Lights Too Bright?
A very relevant question asked every time a player might be brought to the Bronx: Can they handle the pressure? With the expectations of the New York media high and the pressure to perform immense, especially on the shoulders of a young kid, it may seem too much. Luckily, Snell has a friend that seems to know a thing or two about handling the pressure of the big city:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BlD9wvdjzlO/
Yup. Odell Beckham Jr. What a perfect friend to have to show how to make it big in the big city. That is why Blake Snell is tailor-made for the bright lights of the Bronx, and why the Yankees must acquire him before the July 31 trade deadline. It could be the difference-maker in whether or not the Yankees win championship #28.