How Blake Snell Benefits From Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Sweepstakes, as Teams Target Top Pitchers After Winter Meetings

The huge interest in Yoshinobu Yamamoto can have a big impact on the rest of the league. Unsurprisingly, the Samurai Japan ace is the number one target of most MLB teams this offseason. But out of 14 suitors, only one can get him. What about the rest? This is where other pitching-free agents, especially Blake Snell, can benefit from the situation.

It’s no surprise that pitchers like Blake Snell are bidding their time. Until the Japanese ace is in the market, their chances of getting huge deals are comparatively low. So, waiting seems like a better move, especially as it will end up benefiting them in the long run.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto vs. Blake Snell–Contrasting Journeys and Major League Experience

Blake Snell has just won his second Cy Young Award. The former San Diego Padres ace was in the form of his life in a season that proved to be somewhat of a comeback for him. Yet, the 31-year-old isn’t talked about much in the market. This is due to the white horse, Yamamoto, occupying the totem pole of pitchers currently.

The 25-year-old Japanese ace is a darling of nearly every team. Such is his craze that there won’t be much surprise if he ends up signing a contract that’s over $300 million. But Snell is not far behind him. While investing in Yamamoto signals investment in his potential, he remains unproven in MLB. Snell is the exact opposite.

Snell has won two Cy Young awards, one each in AL and NL. At 31 he’s a proven veteran, a star pitcher who has dominated both leagues equally. Investing in him would provide a team immediately with a pitcher who they know works well in the league. According to many insiders, this makes Snell second only to Yamamoto in interest from the teams this offseason.

Read more: Yoshinobu Yamamoto or Blake Snell? Top Reasons the Giants Should Pick the Japanese Ace

Once the Yamamoto deal is signed, the remaining teams will have to look elsewhere. That’s where Snell will come into the picture. The ace would suddenly command the market as its biggest pitching target. Even now, he is a big backup for quite a few teams.

Insider says the Ace could be a backup for the Mets

In a recent article, Jon Heyman of the New York Post said the New York Mets consider Snell as their backup option. The Amazin’ Mets are desperate for a rotational pitcher and due to big competition for Yamamoto, it isn’t certain if they can get him.

As a result, Snell becomes a major target for them. Even though Snell won’t be a long-term signing like Yamamoto, he can at least provide them with a short-term cover. Other than the New York-based team, Chicago Cubs and Seattle Mariners too are linked with him.

As it stands, December is sure to bring free agency fun for baseball fans.

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