The Yankees have made an opening offer to free agent Blake Snell, The Washington Post has learned. However, with limited evidence suggesting Snell and two other potential rotation targets: free agent Jordan Montgomery and trade option Dylan Cease, the Yankees are starting to take a closer look to the next pitchers on their list, including former Met Marcus Stroman.
Not only are the Yankees far away from a Snell deal, but they also aren’t stopping trade talks, the White Sox want a big prospect package that includes Spencer Jones, and they believe Montgomery would rather be back. Texas or any other place.
If nothing changes in the coming days, Stroman in particular will continue to become an increasingly viable option.
No deal appears imminent because there’s still a gap between the two sides. https://t.co/6rrO6I7Hco
— Darius Glover (@GloverDarius) January 11, 2024
As of now, their stand on seven pitching possibilities is as follows:
1. Blake Snell: Word is 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is on board for Snell, the 2023 NL Cy Young winner. But of course, that doesn’t solve the current financial issue — that big gap between ask and offer.
The Yankees seem to believe Snell wants to be here and are guessing the main competition may come from the Giants and Angels, who aren’t as appealing from a competitive standpoint.
Of course, it’s hard to guess who else might get involved for a pitcher who posted an MLB-best 1.20 ERA over the final four-plus months of last season. The Phillies, baseball’s best free-agent players, are among others who’ve checked in and seek yet another starter.
2. Jordan Montgomery: The Yankees like him more now than when they sent him to the Cardinals for Harrison Bader, but the bigger question is what Montgomery thinks about a return.
Some suspect he’d like to stay in Texas, where he was an October hero en route to the Rangers’ first World Series title, if they can get their TV issue resolved and swing a big deal. The Phillies, Red Sox, Giants, Angels and others are showing interest.
3. Marcus Stroman: Though it’s a surprise the Yankees are pursuing Stroman after his past derogatory tweets regarding GM Brian Cashman, there’s little choice now but to consider anyone this talented, consistent and durable who’s interested in pitching in pinstripes, as he was a few years back when he was said to be disappointed to be acquired in trade by the Mets instead.
The Giants, Angels, Red Sox and Orioles all have checked in on the pitcher who was brilliant in the first half last year before nagging injuries sidelined him.
4. Dylan Cease: The Yankees are showing little interest in relenting on a prospect-heavy package led by Jones, the top prospect from Vanderbilt.
The Orioles, who have the best prospects, plus the Dodgers, Reds and many others also are involved. The long-held belief is he will be traded, but talks seem to have slowed and it’s possible the White Sox will wait for the deadline to deal him.
5. Jesus Luzardo: There was said to be “no traction” in talks with the Marlins, who are discussing Luzardo, Edward Cabrera and other starters.
6-7. Corbin Burnes and Shane Bieber: With the Brewers having an excellent chance even in the improved NL Central and the Guardians having a chance in the AL Central, both are seen as likely to stay — at least until the deadline.
According to MLB.com, the latest Yankees-related free agent and trade rumors are:
Jan 11: The Yankees signed shortstop Luke Weaver to a one-year deal on Thursday, but their financial pursuit is far from over.
Most of the Hot Stove news has been about the Yanks recently for their starting pitcher search, but the club could also use more bullpens help after the season and free agent Wandy Peralta and trade a hitter on a contract with Padres (for Juan Soto and Trent Grisham) and the Red Sox (for Alex Verdugo).
The Yankees have re-signed Luke Weaver, who started three games for them in September pic.twitter.com/jNbK3Ndwpk
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) January 11, 2024
Free-agent pitcher Luke Weaver and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year, $2 million contract, pending physical, according to a source familiar with the deal. The deal includes a club option for 2025 and can max out at $8.25 million.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 11, 2024
According to MLB Network analyst Jon Paul Morosi, free agent Jordan Hicks and the Bronx Bombers are among the teams showing interest in the right-hander.
Hicks has been plagued by injuries and control issues throughout his career but finished the season with a 3.29 ERA and a 28.4% strikeout rate in 65 2/3 innings.
The Yankees are also interested in free agent closer Josh Hader but have a backup option if they can’t land a starter, sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Jan. 10: Yankees emerge as Stroman’s top suitors (report) MLB Network’s Jon Paul Morosi reports that the Yankees have emerged as the “leading candidate” to deal Marcus Stroman after “productive discussions” with him in recent days.
MLB Network analyst Jon Heyman told the New York Post last week that “the Yankees are at an impasse in negotiations” with top free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery.
He was named to his second All-Star team in 2023 and finished the year with a 3.95 ERA in 136 2/3 innings despite not starting since July due to groin and hip injuries.
The Red Sox, Orioles, Giants and Angels are other clubs interested in the 32-year-old pitcher, according to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Yankees consider Hader closer to All-Star (source) The Yankees’ interest in Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery is well-documented, but without their two left-handed starters, they may turn their attention to the game’s left-handed reliever.
Sources told MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand that the Yankees are one of the teams interested in Hader but view him as a backup plan if they can’t sign an impact starter.
Feinsand listed Hader’s other options as the Rangers, Cubs, Phillies and Dodgers, including the record-breaking five-year deal of more than $102 million that Edwin Diaz signed with the Mets in November 2022 seeking a contract.
Jan. 7: The Yankees will no longer be negotiating with free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, according to an article in the New York Post by MLB insider Jon Heyman. Trade talks with the White Sox for ace righty Dylan Cease.
Heyman said the Yankees believe Snell has the best chance now, while others believe Montgomery wants to re-sign with the Rangers and White Sox and set a high asking price off waivers.
In fact, what Chicago wanted in the waiver trade talks was that some inside the Yankees weren’t sure the White Sox would move him anywhere this season.
Per Jon Heyman, the #Yankees have officially made a contract offer for Blake Snell👀
No details just yet, but the team seems highly motivated to get a deal across the line.
Would be a HUGE addition🔥#RepBX pic.twitter.com/i21NVwXgmW
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) January 11, 2024
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Tuesday that New Yorker Marcus Stroman told the Yankees he’s “very interested” in signing him.
The Yankees have also had conversations with the Marlins and are willing to discuss starting pitchers Jesus Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett and Trevor Rogers.
Jan. 4: Is Snell better off going to the Yankees than to Montgomery? After losing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the Yankees turned to other players on the free agent market.
The Yankees are among the teams linked to Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
The Yankees have a long history with Montgomery, who played for the team from 2017 to 2022 before being traded to the Cardinals.
However, SNY’s Andy Martino reports that Snell is now more important to the Bronx Bombers than Montgomery.
Heyman reiterated the Yankees’ interest in Snell in a New York Post article Wednesday night. The New York Yankees made one of the biggest trades of the first round by trading for Juan Soto.
There are plenty of big-name players to choose from, including free agent Blake Snell, former Yankee Jordan Montgomery and trade candidate Dylan Cease.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees are talking to Snell and Montgomery while also considering a move for Stop.
Per Heyman:
“Although they remain separate in talks about Snell and Montgomery, as well as trade options, the belief is that the Yankees will sign someone important to strengthen their rotation before the season.”
Montgomery after being traded by The Yankees has improved significantly. A few years ago, he won the World Series with the Texas Rangers.
Snell won the NL Cy Young last season and Cease was AL runner-up a year ago. Snell is even interested in wearing pinstripes.
There are other teams interested in making a splash, so New York needs to act fast.
Blake Snell has privately expressed an interest in playing for the Yankees, per @martinonyc
"At the moment, Snell seems a more likely fit in New York than Jordan Montgomery, with whom they have also talked.
The team is looking to add to the rotation – aggressively, though not… pic.twitter.com/emML8MGtOk
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 4, 2024
The New York Yankees could get to the table by signing Blake Snell, the National League’s new Cy Young Award winner, in 2023. Gerrit Cole will have indicated he wants him in the rotation in 2024, and the former Padres San Diego will likely give him a $1 million contract to wear the stripes.
SNY’s Andy Martino revealed that Snell has privately expressed interest in joining the Bronx Bombers in 2024, which would give the team one of the best starting lineups in the league.
The Yankees would like to add another ace to their rotation before spring training but agreeing to Snell’s nearly $200 million financial ambitions may not be easy.
In 180 innings, the left-handed pitcher had a 14-9 record, a 2.25 ERA (top of the National League), 234 strikeouts, 99 walks (lowest in the old league), and 1,189 WHIP, all in 32 starts.
Additionally, he joins Gaylord Perry, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, Roy Halladay, and Max Scherzer as the only pitchers in history to win at least one Cy Young Award in both leagues.
Fans had a lot to express:
Well they better fix that gap soon
— Luke Garrison (SonicHockeyCoolFanAccount) (@SHCBackupAcc) January 11, 2024
Yankees seem to think they can get a discount.
Doesn't work anymore.
If they want Snell, do more than make an offer.
Make an offer he'll accept— David Bruder (@DBYankees1) January 11, 2024
6 for 200 is probably his market. Definitely an upgrade to what they have now. People complain that he doesn't go over 5 innings, but he's still a Cy young winner.
— Matt Victorella (@mattvic84) January 11, 2024
The same thing was said last year about Rodon and a day later he was a Yankee. They are tactics to raise the value a little more. The man is a Yankees.
— Beisbol Estrellas (@BeisbolEstrella) January 11, 2024
Snell is pushing for Gary Sanchez to be signed as well and Yankees are not interested in a reunion
— Eric (@Eric_M888) January 11, 2024
And that’s very reasonable as Snell is likely asking for over $200 mil
— Nick (@NYYNick_) January 11, 2024
Seems like another guy using the Yankees as leverage. Scott boras at it again lol
— Knicks (@Knicks97107463) January 11, 2024
They did this with Rodon too so we’ll see
— NikitaIsMoné 🔪 (@MikeDesorbo1) January 11, 2024
He was pretty solid in his few appearances for us toward the end of the season. I don't mind him being depth, or even a last resort 5th starter if the Yankees don't manage to get anyone besides Stroman.
— Toby (BKN, 16-21) (@dodytoby12) January 11, 2024
We needed rotation depth and he fits the bill. He can be the 6 to start the season and easily be moved down the ladder as guys like Warren and Hampton get ready. We still need a big name though.
— Leo Silbert (@LeoSilbert) January 11, 2024
good thing we got Soto this offseason otherwise has been pretty bad
— Carmy (@OGKidCarmy) January 11, 2024
If the reported agreement between free-agent pitcher Luke Weaver and the New York Yankees holds true, it seems like a notable addition to the team's roster
— Parmjeet Singh (@ParmjeetSi25214) January 11, 2024
I honestly really like this. He showed a lot of promise and he has a lot of potential. I think a full year with Matt Blake would be great
— Yogi The Yankee Beagle (@YankeeBeagle2) January 11, 2024
The Heyman article says they made an offer, but literally that they "remain far apart on a Snell deal"…like do y'all read articles or do y'all just skim thru em?
— Eddiebaseball (@EddieBaseball) January 11, 2024
5-6 inning pitcher at best we need someone that can pitch 180 innings or more
— adamnshame17 (@adamnshame1993) January 11, 2024
Two cy young winners on the same team would be a dream
— Jordan Colon (@jordan_colon238) January 11, 2024
Problem with Snell is that he sandwiches Cy Young Caliber seasons between a lot of mediocre or injury prone seasons. And it’s not like both Cy Young’s have been recent indicating he’s peaking. 1st Cy Young 6 years ago. Then mid until this past season.
— Moocow (@moocow007) January 4, 2024
I like this and even more so if the Yankees can get Luzardo. That yamamoto fiasco might be a blessing in disguise. 2 quality leftys in Yankee Stadium is a recipe for success.
— Juan Ventura (@vfactmanager) January 4, 2024
We not getting him unless he fits the "cheap" model Hal/Cash are working with…they've already set up the excuse…"The team is looking to add to the rotation ….though not stupidly & will see if the price of a Snell floats into what they consider a reasonable deal zone"
— Bori 🇵🇷🔴🇵🇷🔴✝️✝️ (@BoriTaino21) January 4, 2024
I don’t understand what is meant by Snell being a better fit for Yanks. Based on what? Maybe based on this he is more likely to sign with Yanks than Monty – but want specific details about the “fit”
— Matthew Greenberg (@matthewhgreen22) January 5, 2024
