JUST IN: Yankees Had ‘Late Talks’ With Star Free Agent But Massive Deal Under Probability
Yankees fans can take comfort in the fact that the intense speculation surrounding Blake Snell’s next team has slightly subsided as of Friday.
However, disappointment looms for Yankees fans as a new front-runner for Snell has emerged, a term that has held little significance throughout the left-hander’s free agency saga and continues to lack meaning until a team steps up to meet his considerable financial demands.
With less than 11 days until Opening Day, Snell appears resigned to missing a significant portion of the 2024 season as he waits for a team willing to negotiate a contract that matches his lofty expectations. The Houston Astros appeared poised to be the potential landing spot on Friday, given their rotation concerns due to a Jose Urquidy injury and their longstanding interest in adding Snell or Josh Hader since at least last year’s trade deadline.
Despite actively pursuing Snell on Friday evening with discussions centered around a short-term, high annual average value (AAV) contract, a deal unexpectedly failed to materialize. According to Bob Nightengale, Houston hesitated at Snell’s demand for a two-year guarantee exceeding 20 million annually would push them over the third luxury tax threshold.
As a result, San Francisco emerged as a leading contender once more by the weekend’s end, although both the Giants and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have been in the mix for Snell’s services for months without success. Predicting favorites for a pitcher with firm financial demands remains a challenging task.
Giants are among teams showing interest in reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Uncertain where SF stands but manager Bob Melvin, who had him in SD, said this today. “I want Blake to go somewhere he’s happy. He’s a terrific kid and a good pitcher.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 18, 2024
Yankees could watch Blake Snell sign with San Francisco Giants. Or Houston. Or neither?
On Friday, the Astros’ swift shift from losing their fourth or fifth starter in Urquidy to pursuing a top-tier pitcher like Snell revealed contrasting approaches. While the Yankees chose to address their ace Cole’s absence internally, the Astros displayed a willingness to aggressively seek improvement, regardless of cost.
One team seems determined to enhance their roster at any expense, while the other is content to make upgrades as long as they fit within certain parameters.
If the Astros hesitate at Snell’s price or if it remains unattainable due to luxury tax concerns, criticism may be directed their way. However, considering their track record with pursuing players like Josh Hader, once the Astros express serious interest, they often secure the player. It’s premature to discount their chances at landing Snell when there is mutual interest and a cautious approach to financial commitments until the final moments.
