"Nobody wants to give up prospects” - MLB insider reflects on Yankees’ missed opportunity with Blake Snell
The New York Yankees were linked to Blake Snell as a possible trade option ahead of the deadline, but it never went through. Instead, the San Francisco Giants decided to stick with the two-time Cy Young Award winner.
Since the deadline has passed, he has thrown his first career no-hitter on Aug. 2. He was dominant against the Cincinnati Reds, striking out 11 and surpassing the eighth inning for the first time.
Looking at how he has performed lately, he could have been a huge help in the Bronx. Jon Heyman believes he could have had a big impact on the rotation, discussing it on the New York Post's Around the Bases:
"Nobody likes to give up prospects, but what a difference that would make for the Yankees to add Snell. You got Snell and Gil, they look like they have a great playoff rotation."
Adding Snell would have given the Bronx bombers another frontline starter amongst Gerrit Cole and Marcus Stroman. Heyman also mentioned the impressive season Luis Gil is having, which would have made for a fearsome postseason rotation:
"To me, Snell was a bargain. San Francisco already paid the $17 million signing bonus. It's only $5 million this year, and then a $30 million player option for next year. I don't know why the Yankees cared about that $30 million player option, he's not picking it up."
Heyman believes the deal would have been great for the Yanks. He would not have cost them much outside of prospects, given the Giants already paid his signing bonus.
Yankees missed out on Blake Snell
The Yankees went out and became true contenders after trading to acquire Juan Soto from the San Diego Padres. He has been outstanding in the Bronx, helping relieve the offensive pressure off Aaron Judge.
Their offense has been rolling, but the same cannot be said about their rotation. They have struggled lately, so the addition of Blake Snell would have put the rest of the league on notice.
Instead, the club acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. to help at third base. However, Clarke Schmidt is nearing his return and could be the boost the rotation has been looking for the last few weeks.
Schmidt has been on the IL with a right lat strain since May. He faced live hitters this week for the first time since his injury.