MLB Rumors: Yankees Offer Blake Snell Free-Agent Contract Amid Stroman, Cease Buzz

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The New York Yankees have reportedly made a contract offer to former San Diego Padres pitcher Blake Snell, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.

The Yankees have attempted to bolster their rotation throughout the winter, searching for quality starting pitching options to pair alongside reigning AL Cy Young Award-winner Gerrit Cole.

Per Heyman, New York has also looked into the possibility of signing Jordan Montgomery as well as potentially trading for Dylan Cease of the Chicago White Sox. The team has also begun to “seriously” look into Marcus Stroman as well.

Snell, the winner of the 2023 NL Cy Young award, continued to show why he’s considered one of the most dominant left-handed pitchers in the league during his 32 starts last season. He finished with a 14-9 record, striking out 234 batters in 180 innings of work. Snell’s 2.25 ERA was the best in the majors.

It’s currently unknown if the 31-year-old will accept the Yankees’ reported contract offer, though. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale revealed on Sunday that Snell is looking to play on a deal that is worth more than $200 million.

If he doesn’t sign with New York, general manager Brian Cashman could pivot towards someone younger such as Cease. However, the Yankees and White Sox appear to be far apart in trade talks due to New York’s reluctance to include outfield prospect Spencer Jones (per Heyman).

Cashman could also attempt to sign Stroman, who made the second All-Star team of his career in 2023 despite struggling to maintain his effectiveness throughout the second half of the season after injuries began to pile up. The 32-year-old has received interest from the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Angels, Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles.

While the Yankees have several options remaining, they’ll likely see if Snell accepts the reported offer before making any other moves on the starting pitching market.