What’s Next For Yankees?

The Yankees were able to somewhat sure up their rotation after signing Marcus Stroman to a 2-year $37 million deal, however reports suggest that the Yankees are not done in the free agent market, particularly in the pitching department, we’ll look at a starter and a reliever that the Yankees still have interest in, and could land.

LHP Blake Snell

The Yankees interest in Snell was reported early last week, and two days ago it was reported that the Yankees had offered Blake Snell a 5-Year $150 Million deal. Snell obviously has not taken this offer, but it has also been reported that Snell’s agent, super agent Scott Boras, is seeking a 9-Year $270 Million deal. We don’t know the validity of those reports, but the Yankees will reportedly be in on Snell if (and when) the price comes down. I believe the Yankees will land Snell on a 6-Year, $185 Million deal, carrying a $30.8 Million AAV, likely including opt outs.

RHP Hector Neris

Today it was reported that the Yankees are interested in the former Astros reliever Hector Neris, after former Blue Jays reliever Jordan Hicks went to the Giants as a starter, something the Yankees were never offering. Back to Neris, The fit would be a good one, as Neris pitched to a 1.71 ERA in just under 70 innings for Houston last year, and was well above average in K%, whiff rate, and chase rate. Though he isn’t a huge groundball pitcher, his great pitch mix played a factor in his success for Houston last year. The fastball, sinker and splitters were all positive run values on high usage, registering a 35.7% K% on the splitter alone. Neris would slot right into the Yankees bullpen that was in need of depth by the end of last season.

Based on reports we’ve gotten this offseason, Hal Steinbrenner is all in on the Yankees winning a championship in 2024. He is already running a payroll north of $300 Million, and it could go even farther if they sign a Blake Snell, or if they acquire Dylan Cease or Corbin Burnes via trade. Though I’d bet on signing Snell before making anymore blockbuster trades, the Yankees are having a great offseason and if they finish it off with Snell and Neris. this may be the most complete Yankees team we have seen in the Aaron Judge era.

With the potential additions of Snell and Neris, and already adding Marcus Stroman, as well as Victor Gonzalez to the pitching staff, having to replace the innings lost by King, Vasquez and Brito in the Soto deal. The Yankees would be able to have a lot more confidence in their pitching staff than last season.

Rotation Options:

RHP Gerrit Cole

LHP Blake Snell*

LHP Carlos Rodón

RHP Marcus Stroman

LHP Nestor Cortes

RHP Clarke Schmidt

RHP Will Warren

RHP Luke Weaver

Bullpen Options:

RHP Clay Holmes

RHP Jonathan Loaisiga

RHP Tommy Kahnle

RHP Hector Neris*

RHP Ian Hamilton

LHP Victor Gonzalez

RHP Ron Marinaccio

RHP Scott Effross

RHP Luis Gil

RHP Clayton Beeter

RHP Yoendrys Gomez

*=Unsigned

The Yankees have a lot better depth in the bullpen especially, with Effross and Gil returning from Tommy John surgery, and Beeter and Gomez who are young pitchers ready to contribute. If the Yankees are able to land Snell and Neris, they may end up having the best projected pitching staff in the American League, and would be among the best in all of baseball.