Snell Eyeing Potential Suitors: Yankees, Angels, and Giants in Pursuit

Jan. 4: Recent reports suggest that American League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has expressed his interest in joining a new team for the upcoming season. The New York Yankees have emerged as serious contenders for the left-handed pitcher, aiming to form an impressive Cy Young duo alongside Gerrit Cole.

The Yankees had previously targeted Japanese star right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, but their efforts were in vain as he signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, the team seems determined to make a splash on the free-agent pitcher market, with Snell being their top choice. If Snell were to sign with the Yankees, their powerhouse rotation would undoubtedly become one of the best in Major League Baseball.

Despite speculation that Snell prefers the West Coast, closer to his native Washington state, it is reported that he is open to all clubs and desires a competitive and winning environment. Andy Martino of SNY even suggests that Snell has privately expressed interest in joining the Yankees, further fueling the rumors.

While the Yankees are considering other options such as Jordan Montgomery and Shota Imanaga, Snell remains the primary target. However, the team has a history with Montgomery, who previously pitched for them from 2017 to 2022. Nonetheless, it seems that Snell is the more likely addition to the Yankees' rotation at this point.

Dec. 27: Alongside the Yankees, the Los Angeles Angels and the San Francisco Giants have also emerged as potential suitors for Snell. The Angels, who are looking to fill their starting pitching gaps, have reportedly shown interest in signing the ace. Losing Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers has forced the Angels to search for a reliable replacement. Snell's addition would certainly improve their rotation, which currently lacks consistency.

Meanwhile, the Giants have made Snell their top priority after missing out on both Ohtani and Yamamoto. With Snell's exceptional performance in the past season, he has become a coveted asset. However, as the market for Snell intensifies, competition for his services is expected to rise, potentially involving other teams like the Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, Phillies, and Blue Jays.

Dec. 21: After Yoshinobu Yamamoto signed his record-breaking deal with the Dodgers, the market for top-tier starting pitchers has regained momentum. Snell, who is considered one of the best free-agent pitchers available, is likely to be the next to sign with a team. The 31-year-old left-hander had a remarkable season in 2023, leading MLB with an impressive 2.25 ERA and securing his second Cy Young Award.

Major League teams such as the Angels, Giants, Cubs, Red Sox, and his former team, the Padres, have expressed interest in Snell throughout the offseason. With the Giants missing out on Yamamoto, they have emerged as potential favorites to sign Snell. It is also worth noting that the Angels have been linked to Snell since November.

Contract predictions for Snell have ranged from a five-year, $122 million deal to a seven-year, $200 million agreement. However, with Yamamoto's significant contract, the market value for Snell and other top starting pitchers is expected to rise. The competition to secure Snell's services is intensifying, and it remains to be seen where he will ultimately land.