3 Years and $120 Million Stand in the Middle of Blake Snell and New York Yankees – Who Will Finally Budge?

The New York Yankees and Blake Snell are in a contract standoff. With spring training looming just weeks away, these free agency negotiations come with a $120 million, three-year gap. On the one hand, the Yankees did offer Yoshinobu Yamamoto a hefty $325 million, indicating that there’s an opportunity for big money for pitchers. On the other, the 31-year-old’s case is not as simple. Who will blink first in this situation? 

USA Today’s Bob Nightengale said that the Yankees have reportedly offered a cautious price while Snell seeks more. Despite his impressive resume with a 2023, and 2018 Cy Young Awards (San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays), and an impressive 14-9 season with a 2.25 ERA, something stands in the way of their union. What is it? 

What’s Holding the New York Yankees Behind?

When the Seattle-born asked for $270 million for 9 years, NY countered with a more cautious six-year, $150 million contract. This comes from a place of concern about long-term pitcher contracts. They have been troubled lately; consider Chris Sale, Jacob deGrom, and Carlos Rodon, who struggled with age. 

Well, initially there were rumors that Snell wished to play for his hometown Seattle Mariners. However, because of their lack of financial muscle to match Snell’s expectations yet, should one say that that boat has sailed too? 

This situation is hanging by a thread. Either Snell could lose out on an entire season due to him not willing to be flexible. Or the Yankees could lose out on a championship-caliber arm to pair up with their ace Gerrit Cole. This case is far from a much-needed win-win. 

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What Makes Blake Snell Stand Out From the Others?

The Yankees’ incumbent stars Aaron Judge and ace ‘Cole Train’ have reportedly pushed for Snell. However, for ambiguous reasons, the club’s hands are tied. While the fear of injury as is common for pitchers with longer deals is inevitable, the differentiating factor for Snell is that he never had a Tommy John surgery. Moreover, he comes with commendable laurels. 

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Ultimately, the decision boils down to this: are the Yankees willing to swallow the $120 million pill owing to his unmatched qualities? Or will they let the former Padre to fill the void elsewhere? Do note that with Spring Training approaching, a conclusion can’t be far off. The baseball world watches the matter unfurl with bated breath.