How Far Apart Are The Yankees?

Earlier this month, the New York Yankees reportedly extended an offer to left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, who is considered the top remaining starting pitcher in this winter’s free-agent market. However, no agreement was reached at that time due to a reported significant gap between the team and Snell. According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Yankees offered Snell a six-year deal worth $150 million, but Snell is seeking either a longer contract or an annual salary of at least $30 million.

While the gap between the two parties remains substantial, there is some optimism that they could still come to an agreement later in the offseason. It’s worth noting that the Yankees’ offer is the only formal offer Snell has received this winter, despite other teams expressing interest. However, it’s unclear if the Yankees are still pursuing Snell after recently signing right-hander Marcus Stroman. The team’s focus is reportedly on bullpen additions at this point in the offseason.

The addition of Stroman has undoubtedly strengthened the Yankees’ rotation, but the team still lacks a surefire front-of-the-rotation arm to pair with ace Gerrit Cole. Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes, both left-handed pitchers, have question marks surrounding their performances after injury-marred campaigns in 2023. Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, could provide the club with another reliable arm with significant upside.

If the Yankees and Snell cannot reach a deal, other potential suitors for the left-hander’s services this winter include the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Toronto Blue Jays.

On the injury front, Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman provided updates on two key players. Veteran first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been cleared for full baseball activities, and there are no concerns about the return of symptoms related to post-concussion syndrome in 2024. Rizzo had played for over two months after sustaining a head injury last May before being placed on the injured list in August. If Rizzo can replicate his early-season production in 2024, he is expected to be a crucial part of the team’s lineup.

Cashman also discussed the health of Giancarlo Stanton, the team’s designated hitter. Stanton, who had a challenging 2023 season, is reported to be in a “really good place.” The slugger’s diet and conditioning work during the offseason have positioned him for a healthy return to action in 2024. Manager Aaron Boone mentioned that Stanton is preparing for occasional starts in the outfield during the upcoming season.

Boone also addressed the role of Aaron Judge as the regular center fielder for the 2024 season. Despite Judge’s injury history, Boone expressed confidence in Judge’s ability to handle the everyday center field job. However, he mentioned the plan to rest Judge at DH or in left field once or twice a week to manage his workload. With the addition of outfielders Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham earlier in the winter, the Yankees aim to strike a balance to keep Judge healthy throughout the season.