The New York Yankees are anticipated to sign Blake Snell in free agency to strengthen their rotation.
As one of the top starting pitchers on the market, Snell is expected to attract significant interest from multiple teams. Danny Abriano of SNY projects the Yankees to secure the two-time Cy Young winner this offseason.
“Depending on how the Yankees’ offseason unfolds, they could be strong contenders for the best starting pitchers available,” Abriano noted, mentioning the Yankees’ prior interest in Snell before they opted for Marcus Stroman.
The Yankees need to sharpen their fundamentals and diversify their offense, but another ace-caliber pitcher is essential,” Abriano added. “Snell’s dominance potential and likely lower cost in terms of years or dollars make him an appealing option compared to other top starters.”
Adding Snell would enhance the Yankees’ rotation depth. Manager Aaron Boone could slot the left-hander between Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon to solidify the starting lineup.
Snell, who posted a 5-3 record and a 3.12 ERA over 20 starts with the San Francisco Giants, claimed the Cy Young in 2018 and 2023.
What is Snell’s Contract Expected to be?
Blake Snell signed a two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants last offseason but exercised his opt-out after just one season.
The two-time Cy Young winner is expected to secure a more lucrative and longer-term contract this offseason. According to contract predictions from *The Athletic*, Snell could be looking at a four-year, $110 million deal.
“I initially projected a five-year, $135 million contract for Snell last winter, but he opted for a two-year, $62 million deal with the Giants that included an opt-out,” the article explained. “Following another impressive second half, Snell still compares favorably to his previous self and to other pitchers who have signed shorter, high-AAV deals.”
Given that Snell is heading into his age-32 season, *The Athletic* suggests trimming a year off last year’s projection while slightly increasing the average annual value (AAV) to align with deals like Marcus Stroman’s.
*MLBTradeRumors*, however, predicts a more ambitious five-year, $160 million contract for Snell.
In his career, Snell holds a 76-58 record with a 3.19 ERA across 211 starts.
Yankees Bring Back Cole
The Yankees began their offseason by re-signing ace Gerrit Cole.
After opting out of his previous contract, Cole and the Yankees reached an agreement on a four-year, $144 million deal, matching the original terms he opted out of. Yankees GM Brian Cashman noted that they weren’t interested in adding a fifth year, but are pleased to have Cole return.
“We wanted our player and our ace back, and he didn’t want to leave either,” Cashman said at the GM Meetings. “We had constructive discussions to find a way to make it work within our timeline, and we can always revisit future possibilities down the road.”
Cashman added, “Everyone was committed to continuing the relationship, so we found a way to eliminate the timing pressure.”
Cole posted a 1-0 record with a 2.17 ERA in the 2024 playoffs and went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA during the regular season.
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