Is Hal Steinbrenner’s Carlos Rodon Regret Stalling Yankees’ Blake Snell Deal?

Some experiences remain with you throughout your life. Especially if it costs you $162 million. That’s something that the New York Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner may be dealing with right now. Steinbrenner’s relationship with Scott Boras hasn’t been the most cozy one ever since the Carlos Rodon deal last year. That has left a sour taste in Steinbrenner’s mouth and the after-effects are now visible in their Blake Snell pursuit. 

While the Bronx Bombers were initially interested in the Cy Young winner, it didn’t take long for things to turn south. Ever since then, it has been a giant staring contest or one could say, Boras staring at the Yankees while they’ve looked elsewhere. This makes one wonder – just how deep did the Carlos Rodon wound go within Steinbrenner? 

Old wounds die hard, and sometimes they remain forever 

One still remembers how head over heels Hal Steinbrenner was for Carlos Rodon. The pitcher was coming off two great seasons. But it was Scott Boras who gave the finishing touches to his usual wizarding ways. Steinbrenner didn’t think twice before writing a $162 million check for Rodon. Ever since then, Rodon suffered through injuries to put up his career’s worst numbers in 2023. That has had a lasting impact.

While Rodon has improved considerably and gotten himself back in shape, Steinbrenner has grown extra cautious. Especially regarding the sales tricks of Boras. According to Bob Klapisch of NJ Media, “Steinbrenner is still feeling burned…Rodon’s struggle has made it that much tougher for Steinbrenner to be tempted by Snell.” The report went on to talk about how the Yankees were surprised when Scott Boras recently came up to them with an offer.

Similar to Cody Bellinger, the agent offered the Bombers a three-year deal for Blake Snell with opt outs on years two and three. The New York Yankees were “stunned” as the offer was worse than the initial nine-year $270 million. The team didn’t want to go short, they wanted a long-term deal with a lower AAV. 

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So as it stands, the Yankees are near the door than the center in Blake Snell’s free agency. That has made things difficult for Boras but good for a Bay Area team.

The Bay Bombers find a clear route towards Blake Snell 

The report shared that the potential exit of the Yankees has dramatically improved the San Francisco Giants’ chances. The franchise has recently signed Matt Chapman to a three-year $54 million deal. Could Snell be the next? Also, that deal makes it two Boras clients that have signed a short-term deal this offseason. Is this a sign of things to come for Snell and Jordan Montgomery as well?

As it stands, Scott Boras’ tactics have backfired big time on him this time. With teams no longer taking the bait, the super agent has resorted to quick short-term deals. It’s March already. One wonders if Boras overplayed his hands this time around.

Read more: San Francisco Giants Going All Out? $54 Million Deal Proves Playoff Intentions Amidst Blake Snell Interest