The East Coast is bustling today. While their city rivals have made another signing, the New York Yankees aren’t lagging as well. Though they’ve not made a free agent signing yet, the doors are starting to open for the Yankees Empire to strike again. With Hal Steinbrenner reportedly all in on the Pinstripes adding another superstar signing – could a union be in store with Blake Snell?
While Jordan Montgomery has been linked with the Yankees since the beginning, the entry of Snell to the mix has created big questions. Is the Monty link closing? Is Snell now the primary target? Where do the Yankees stand in the sweepstakes of these two pitchers?
Steinbrenner says yes? Is the Blake Snell – Yankees union on?
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Though the Yankees’ rotation needs precluded the blockbuster Juan Soto trade, that trade did amplify their bullpen issues. With some of their top prospects gone, the Yankees are hungry for pitchers. As the New York Post reported, “Managing partner Hal Steinbrenner is said to be on board with the concept of a serious addition to a rotation that’s suffered a couple losses via trade and free agency. The Yankees like both Snell and Montgomery but seem to have more belief at the moment that their chances may be better for Snell.”
From not even being a part of the discussion, the Yankees have quickly grown favorites in the Blake Snell sweepstakes. The Cy Young winner has reportedly said privately that he’d be interested to play in the Yankees. Now with Steinbrenner’s involvement, the fans might see both the Cy Young winners wearing the pinstripes.
With relatively less number of innings pitched and a high walk rate, Snell is a high-risk pitcher. But Snell has also won two Cy Young awards, the Yankees would be hoping that Snell brings the Cy Young winning form to the Yankee Stadium. But the Yankees will face tremendous competition.
The Los Angeles Angels and the San Francisco Giants could spark a bidding war. Are the Yankees willing to pay highly to a risky player after the disappointment that they faced with the Carlos Rodon contract? Past traumas could come back to haunt the Yankees. But it currently looks like Blake Snell has become a New York Yankees favorite. So are the Montgomery links gone?
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Montgomery links could get complicated
After Jordan Montgomery won the World Series, his links with the Yankees intensified. However, his market is perhaps the biggest among the remaining free agents. With the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox, and the Philadelphia Phillies also in the race, the Bronx Bombers have big competition.
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Also, Jon Heyman reported that Monty might prefer the team he won the Fall Classic with – the Rangers. Perhaps that’s why the Bombers are now focusing more heavily on Snell. With such a quick rise, one wonders how this connection will now unfold.
Read more: Angels’ Blake Snell Pursuit in Danger, Mariners Eye Hometown Star Amidst Latest Trade