The New York Yankees‘ starting rotation started off the season, dominating rivals left and right. Since the middle of June, however, the unit hasn’t been nearly as good: they don’t provide length anymore, they are prone to the long ball, they are wild, and they are inconsistent overall.
In theory, the group is rock-solid and doesn’t need any upgrades: Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil both have the stuff of an ace, Carlos Rodon can join that group on a good night, and Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes are steady, crafty veterans. But they have all been so inconsistent in recent outings that the Yankees need to bring in a starter, especially with Clarke Schmidt still on the shelf.
They have reportedly set their sights on a left-hander they already wanted in the offseason: San Francisco Giants ace and reigning NL Cy Young award winner Blake Snell.
The Yankees want Snell again
“News: Yankees are among 6 teams to check in on Blake Snell. While Giants listen, Snell turned in uber dominant performance Saturday (15 K), SF starters are killing it now and they’re just 4 1/2 out of WC. Other complications: NYY in top tax bracket and BS $30M 2025 player option,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Snell, due to the lack of spring training action, struggled to open the season and currently boasts a 5.10 ERA in 47.2 innings. Additionally, he suffered a left groin strain in early June.
Since returning from the injured list, he has a 0.75 ERA in 24 frames, with seven walks and a whopping 30 strikeouts. Predictably, he reached top form with good health and after making several starts.
The Yankees wanted him before the season and even offered him a multi-year contract. At the time, his agent, Scott Boras, advised him not to take it, and he ended up signing for a lot less once spring training was nearing an end.
The problem with a potential Snell acquisition is that he is expensive, and the Yankees, as Heyman notes, are already in the top competitive balance tax bracket.
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Will the Yankees pull off the elite move to bring in Snell’s tremendous upside to the staff? We are just hours away from finding out.