Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Blake Snell, second from left, comes out of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning during Game 6 of the World Series at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)
Star pitcher Blake Snell has a condition tied to his free agency, which decreases the likelihood of him joining the New York Yankees during this offseason.
According to MLB Insider Buster Olney, who shared insights on the Willard and Dibs podcast, the current NL Cy Young award holder has a preference for which region of the country he would prefer to stay in for the 2024 season.
Yankees: What is prompting Blake Snell to want to remain in southern California?
After an outstanding 2023 MLB season with the San Diego Padres, Snell has established himself as a dominant force. His tenure with the Padres spans three years, preceded by a five-year stint with the Tampa Bay Rays. During this time, he likely grew accustomed to the favorable weather conditions in both regions. However, his decision regarding his next destination involves more than just climate preferences.
Notably, there have been strong associations between Snell and both the Los Angeles Dodgers and, before them, the Los Angeles Angels. These connections suggest a potential interest from both teams in acquiring the former All-Star pitcher.
Can the Yankees turn Snell’s mind and pull off a signing this winter or spring?
Furthermore, Snell’s agent, Scott Boras, has been engaged in tough negotiations for several weeks. Boras is adamant about securing a top-dollar contract for his client, considering the caliber of team Snell would join and the overall situation.
Both of the Los Angeles teams represent major markets in baseball, with the Dodgers notably demonstrating their willingness to spend extravagantly on talent. They have recently inked deals for two-time NL MVP Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Snell, who boasted a remarkable 2.25 ERA and 234 strikeouts last season, could potentially be the next target for these teams.
Reports indicate that the 31-year-old pitcher declined an offer from the New York Yankees earlier in the offseason, rumored to be around the $150 million mark. To sway Snell from his location preferences and meet Boras’s demands, the Yankees might need to offer a more substantial salary. This could be crucial if they aspire to construct a formidable pitching rotation featuring two Cy Young winners at the helm.
