Chris
If the Yankees fail to secure Juan Soto in free agency, they could pivot to multiple alternative moves. Signing several players seems like the more probable course of action, with a focus potentially on one starting pitcher who had been on their radar last winter before they ultimately signed Marcus Stroman.
A rotation consisting of Cole, Snell, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Luis Gil, and Marcus Stroman would give the Yankees considerable depth. However, the team may look to trade at least one starter, with Stroman—owed $17.5 million next season—being a likely candidate. A potential trade package involving Stroman and Gil could be explored, possibly targeting a team like the Cleveland Guardians in need of starting pitching. In return, the Yankees might eye first baseman Josh Naylor.
Snell remains one of the best left-handed starters, with a minimum of 100 innings pitched consistently over his career. However, injuries have occasionally limited his availability. When healthy, Snell ranks among the top pitchers in baseball, and according to SNY, the Yankees could be a strong candidate to sign him.
Potential Contract for Snell
Snell could command a contract of around $30 million per season. Given his age of 31, he might land a four- to five-year deal, likely with opt-out clauses. A five-year, $150 million contract with an opt-out after the third year seems realistic for a pitcher who sought to maximize his market leverage last year but fell short. Adding Snell would provide the Yankees with a formidable No. 2 starter behind Gerrit Cole, potentially alleviating age-related regression concerns over the next few years.
A rotation consisting of Cole, Snell, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Luis Gil, and Marcus Stroman would give the Yankees considerable depth. However, the team may look to trade at least one starter, with Stroman—owed $17.5 million next season—being a likely candidate. A potential trade package involving Stroman and Gil could be explored, possibly targeting a team like the Cleveland Guardians in need of starting pitching. In return, the Yankees might eye first baseman Josh Naylor.
