The New York Yankees are preparing to make an aggressive push to find a number two starting pitcher behind Gerrit Cole, and while reports have indicated they could bring back Masahiro Tanaka or James Paxton, they might be better off finding a more refined player with upside.
A report indicated that Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell could be on the trade block, and the Yankees should 100% be asking Tampa what they need to give up to acquire him. This past season, Snell earned a 3.24 ERA, a 49.2% ground ball rate, and 11.34 strikeouts per nine innings. In other words, he was fantastic and would be the perfect fit behind coal in the rotation.
Here’s what MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand is reporting:
“According to multiple sources, the Rays have told other clubs that they’re open to the idea of trading Blake Snell, presenting a realistic possibility that a deal could be consummated this offseason.
“A source noted that Tampa Bay is not actively shopping Snell, who has three years and $39 million remaining on his five-year, $50 million extension, but given the financial losses the Rays endured during the pandemic-impacted 2020 season, trading the 27-year-old represents the club’s best chance to create some much-needed flexibility.
“Snell will earn $10.5 million in 2021, $12.5 million in 2022, and $16 million in 2023.â€
COVID-19 hurt teams in many different ways, as the Yankees were also impacted significantly, losing the most money of any team in the MLB. However, Tampa Bay was also affected and could have to part ways with some of their better players because of it. Snell is expected to earn $11.1 million in payroll salary, which is a low number compared to how much the Yankees paid Tanaka in 2020.
Tanaka earned $23 million, and Snell earned less than half of that, with three years left on his deal.
What would the Yankees have to give up to acquire snow?
Since Tampa isn’t looking to acquire players that count a ton against them, the Yankees could offer up Miguel Andujar and some younger pitching prospects.
Snell is an immediate upgrade in the rotation and actually would be an ace on most teams. That is the 1-2 punch the Yankees desperately need, so giving up two assets for him could be a great deal, considering they have three years more control.
Andujar and Clarke Schmidt might get the job done, but they could be unwilling to give away a starting level pitcher with untapped potential.