Yankees need Blake Snell to counter Orioles blockbuster

This is also a message that the Yankees need to respond to. They have made it clear that they are all-in for 2024, trading for Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo and Trent Grisham. Marcus Stroman was signed to a two-year deal to fortify the rotation. Those moves are no longer enough. It is time to revisit their interest in Blake Snell.

Mark Feinsand from MLB.com reported that the Yankees were the only team to make Snell an offer thus far. He rejected that six-year, $150M contract, leaving the Yankees to pivot to Stroman. The Yankees rotation still had question marks, especially given the performance and health of Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes last season. However, Stroman raised the floor of that group.

Snell has question marks as well. He has been stellar in his two Cy Young-winning seasons but middling at best in the others. He is understandably looking to cash in on his impressive 2023 campaign as he posted a 2.25 ERA and a 1.189 WHiP over his 180 innings, striking out 234 batters with 99 walks. However, Snell has pitched over 130 innings just twice in his seven years in the majors and has struggled to consistently pitch deep into the game. He is going to be a significant gamble.

He is also a gamble the Yankees need to take. The Orioles have a young, dynamic roster that is only getting better. The Yankees are in danger of being left behind for years to come. They needed Blake Snell to help close the gap before. The Yankees need him even more now.