BORAS TO THE YANKEES: "IF YOU WANT SNELL, TIME'S RUNNING OUT!"

Scott Boras wouldn't be Scott Boras if he wasn't trying to strongarm the Yankees all winter. It feels like a baseball version of a soap opera. These are the Days of our Lives of endless Blake Snell rumors...will he or won't he be a Yankee?

We've covered this a lot over the winter. So much that I am really tired of talking about it.... but, we have to talk about it because it is relevant. Hopefully, the story changes soon and we won't hear about all of these rumors about where Snell's new home will be. If Boras has it his way, Snell will have a new home sooner rather than later, check it out HERE.

Boras is trying to strongarm the Yankees. He's had conversations with Hal Steinbrenner himself. He's been trying to sell the Yankees on this crazy pipe dream that Snell is worth $30 million a season over 9 years and thankfully Hal isn't buying it. Over the past few days, we have seen these "reports" that Hal and Boras are making progress, but sources are saying otherwise and report "it's going nowhere." I've seen X go nuts lately because Hal and Boras are talking, and Brian Cashman isn't involved. That's a cool story.... but I'm not buying it.

And speaking of not buying it, neither is Hal who has said "no thanks" to Boras more than once now. Hal won’t okay the 110 percent luxury tax surcharge that would force him to pay Snell upwards of $60 million in 2024. I can't say I am surprised by hearing that. It's not a matter of the Yankees not having the money, we know they do but that doesn't mean they want to. Not for nothing, I don't want to pay that for Snell.

Boras is out of his mind at that price tag. Gerrit Cole is our ace, he's proven himself in pinstripes and Snell shouldn't be paid more than Cole. So he's a two time Cy Young winner, cool story....I don't care. I hope Hal holds firm at that price, at this point other teams haven't been willing to pony up YET so the Yankees don't need to outbid themselves here.

Now Boras is giving a deadline of 7-10 days. Sure, Snell wants to report to his new home and start facing live hitters so he can be ready for the start of the season. Makes sense, I get it but that doesn't mean the Yankees need to jump and suddenly pay more money. Thanks for the deadline, Boras, noted but again.... I don't care.

Reports are the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants are now in the mix. The Angels have needed pitching for years now, that's another soap opera and the Giants are suddenly in desperate need of pitching, especially if they hope to even stand a chance against the Dodgers.

If you had hopes of seeing Snell at Spring Training.....that looks less likely right now. This could be one time that Boras has to "settle" for another deal and honestly, I wouldn't mind seeing that.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SOTO WANTS TO HAVE A REUNION WITH SNELL

Source: Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post

Blake Snell is still without a team for 2024. It is almost laughable that the NL Cy Young Winner is sitting on the couch while the spring training games continue throughout in Florida and Arizona. But in an interesting twist, Snell's former teammate, new Yankee Juan Soto, is all about having Snell join the 2024 team, in fact he has flat out put out the welcome mat.

"New Yankees superstar Juan Soto enthusiastically endorsed the idea of the team signing National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell, which would make the Yankees the first team to combine the two reigning Cy Young winners in one Opening Day rotation," reported The New York Post. 

Source: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

The Yankees are clearly concerned about a number of things when it comes to Snell. One is his salary, next is the luxury tax, third is his consistency and depth and last is how he will be as a veteran in the Yankees clubhouse.

"Snell’s market has been surprisingly quiet despite a superb overall track record that actually includes two Cy Youngs (one more than even Cole, who won the AL award last year for the first time), but Soto wanted to clear up any misperception about Snell’s persona, if that’s what’s holding up his market," reported The Post. “He’s a great dude, he’s a great guy,” Soto said. “He’s always right there, cheering for his teammates. He’s a funny guy, too. He’s great in the clubhouse.”

Source: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports

And Soto is not the only advocate for Snell. In another article published by The Post on Monday, "Superstar, team captain and sometime adviser Aaron Judge spoke hopefully upon arrival about the potential for one more pickup (though Judge didn’t specify who he was talking about or if he had any inside info). “I definitely think there might be another move on the way. But you never know. We’ll see,” Judge said then. While Snell’s name was unsaid, a couple of the big voices in the clubhouse are thought to be endorsers of Snell."

Source: SNY

The pitching in the minors is very promising and Hal Steinbrenner seems content with what he is seeing there and in his current starting rotation with the addition of Marcus Stroman. Steinbrenner stated that he believed that Luis Gil and Will Warren will see time in the majors this season and that Clarke Schmidt has come out strong this spring. Signing Snell means Schmidt would be the odd man out in the starting rotation. 

Soto says it will be a wait and see kind of game. “I think he’s just waiting for the perfect spot for him,” Soto said. “It is what it is. It happened before, with [Manny] Machado, and with [Bryce] Harper. Those guys signed late, in spring training. They were asking for the money, and they got it,” reported The Post.

It will be an interesting few weeks as the Yankees continue their spring training schedule into late March when the actual season begins. Do the Yankees feel they have what they need in their current pitching staff to pass on Snell? Hard to say but if Soto and Judge were buying, Snell would be headed to Tampa today. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

SHOULD SPENCER JONES BE UNTOUCHABLE?

I feel like there are more "YES" answers to this question after his massive home run this weekend. It was a beauty for sure. But what about before the home run? What about when the Brewers wanted him this winter? Or when the White Sox asked?

I've been thinking about this a lot since this weekend. There's a lot to like about Spencer Jones so I've been on the fence about him. I think I have finally shifted to one side of the fence, but reluctantly. I could be wrong about this down the road and if I am I will gladly admit it but.... if I could get the right piece in return for Jones, I would trade him.

I know it sounds crazy, especially after this impressive home run but if I can get a GREAT starter for Jones, I'm in. Not just a decent one, but a great one. If the White Sox were still going to give me Dylan Cease for Jones than I am going to make that deal.

I do like Jones, a lot. I love his speed, I love his power, the left-handed bat and his five-tool potential. I love his start so far in spring ball but the fact is.... he's still a prospect. Even five tool prospects aren't guaranteed to pan out and the Yankees clock is ticking. Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole are in their primes, and we are only guaranteed one year with Juan Soto. The Yankees should be ALL IN, but they aren't. I still don't believe they are contenders, but if Jones can give me a good package (including a starting pitcher) to make me better right now the Yankees need to pull the trigger. 

I think Jones has a ton of potential, but I just don't trust the Yankees to transform him into an elite player. Their analytics suck and my concerns with Jones are he hits too many weak ground balls, and he strikes out a lot because he has a long swing. I know the "he's five for five in spring" argument but it's two games in spring, his minor league stats show a different story. I just don't trust the Yankees to fix his weaknesses to help us in the future. The Yankees can't afford to just wait forever.

Maybe I am just impatient, but I think after the Yankees sent our top pitching prospect for a one guaranteed year of Soto there is no going back from that. So now you make any move that could help you win in 2024. Nothing is off the table IF the offer makes the Yankees closer to a championship, and an attractive prospect like Jones could.

If the Yankees don't win this year and Soto walks, it's a tough pill to swallow. I'm not eager to trade Jones, but he shouldn't be untouchable either.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

POSITIVE VIBES ONLY AS THE YANKEES STRIKE FIRST IN 2024!

Spring training games are officially under way and just like that the 2024 MLB baseball season begins. The Yankees took on Detroit at Joker Merchant Stadium and blew away the Tigers in a 22-10 victory. I know it is only one game and it is only spring training, but the win was exciting because the lineup was filled with newbies and hungry athletes looking for a chance to battle in the big leagues this year.

According to SNY,  "The Bombers' offense came out flying during their first game of the spring, as they struck for nine runs on eight hits and six walks over the first five innings. Trent Grisham, the secondary piece acquired in the Juan Soto trade, got his Yankee career off to a loud start with a 421-foot three-run home run in the top of the second." 

The offense was absolutely explosive as Spencer Jones pinch-hitting for Grisham in the top of the fifth, smashed a towering 470-foot homer. The 22-year-old center fielder is 6-foot-6 and expected to start the season with the Double A Somerset Patriots. He was the Yankees first round pick in 2022 from Vanderbilt University. 

Source: NY Daily News

“Looking forward to him being in big league camp,” Boone said before Saturday’s game. “It’s part of his development, part of that growth process to be around guys he’s going to get to be around here. Hopefully getting in big league spring action and getting [at-bats] and stuff like that. It’s an important part of the development,” wrote the New York Post.

Other members of the lineup who contributed to the Yankee offense included outfielder Oscar Gonzalez, who was picked up on waivers from the Cleveland Guardians, Luis Torrens went 2-for-3 with a home run and 22-year-old infielder Jorbit Vivas also hit a dinger.

The Yankees saw strong pitching from 25-year-olds Luis Gil and Clayton Beeter. Both had good first innings but later gave up a couple of home runs. Recall that Gil missed a majority of 2022 and 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery in May 2022. He rehabbed at Single-A Tampa at the end of last season. "In a report from Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that the team wants to "find out about [Gil] as a starter" but didn't rule out using him in the bullpen. The current book on Gil is that he has excellent strikeout stuff, but still needs to improve his command; according to Boone, Gil is focusing on exactly that during the spring." 

Beeter will likely start the season where he ended last season with Triple A Scranton. "According to MLB.com scouts, he has an effective slider, a potentially dominant fastball and an emerging plus curveball. With three pitches, that could make him an effective starter or long reliever at the MLB level."

Day one is a success. And as fans, we all know this is going to be a slow roll and a long season. But with hope like this, we have to remain positive. There is a lot of negativities out there and certainly some of it has come from me. But right now, I feel optimistic—until the Yankees and their brass show me otherwise. For now, it is positive vibes only. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

HAL STEINBRENNER JUST GASLIGHTS US WITH "CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM" BANTER

Hal says it every year.  I wish he'd instead call out his General Manager and front office for not doing enough for this Yankee team.  Back in 2022, March in fact... he said this about the New York Yankees.

"This is a championship caliber team".  I'm not sure it was, because we didn't even make it to the World Series.  Last year he was confused why the Yankee fan base was frustrated after the Yankees went out and literally added only one "major" piece in the off-season... Carlos Rodon.  You remember how that went in 2023.  This time around Hal was interviewed again... and this time he had something to say. Was it new? Not really....

Yahoo Sports:

“I think we have a championship-caliber team right now,” he said. Like WTF.  

Remember last year when we sign Carlos Rodon and he told us all that the Yankees "weren't done"?  This year? Look what he said:

"... we haven't stopped looking to improve. And we never will.”  It's madness. Does he not realize that we are full invested as fans in this team? Does he not realize that we spend thousands of dollars to go to this team's games? Hal Steinbrenner's net worth is $1.3 BILLION. We contribute to that. He's just out of touch.  He needs to be angrier. He needs to hold his front office and Cashman accountable.

Here's the bottom line, despite some improvements this offseason, we still need a solid starting pitcher.  That's it.  Until we have that, the Yankees are a third-place team.  That's just the way it is.  And so, pardon me if you think I am grouchy and annoyed and slamming the New York Yankees.  I get pretty annoyed when people lie, and this is no different.  Hal is either delusional or just doesn't think we're smart enough to know his soundbite history.  

Pathetic.

GIO URSHELA DID NOT SIGN A DEAL WITH THE YANKEES

We all thought maybe the Yankees were going to bring back Gio Urshela. There was some chatter about it and there was even a few stories about it on Bleeding Yankee Blue.  

Read COULD GIO URSHELA BE BACK IN THE YANKEE MIX? from January 2nd.  

Read LATEST RUMOR: YANKEES INTERESTED IN REUNION WITH FORMER THIRD BASEMAN from February.  

Whatever the case, it's not happening.  Here's why... he just signed a deal with the Tigers.

Empire Sports Media writes:

"...Gio Urshela, at 32 years of age, finalize a one-year contract with the Detroit Tigers for $1.5 million, ending speculation about potential signings by both the New York Yankees and the Mets."

That's literally all I have.  

Carry on.

WHAT'S UP WITH JUDGE'S TOE NOW?

It's a mystery. We haven't heard much about Aaron Judge and his torn toe ligament. I've been holding onto the cliche that "no news is good news" but is that the case?

You have to compare what Brian Cashman said to what Aaron Judge said and raise an eyebrow. Back in December Cashman said Judge's toe was "a resolved issue," you can check that out HERE. If so, why did Judge say it would require "constant maintenance" on Tuesday? Interesting choice of words considering a resolved issues don't need any sort of maintenance. Is this another Cashman screwup?

I hope not. I'd like to be optimistic here but Cashman has a a constant track record of failures. That's the only "constant" any of us see anymore. It's just a scary choice of words. It's deceiving. It sounds like a potential disaster. Judge said he is feeling good now, but it is something that needs to be watched throughout the season.

Not for nothing, we all know Judge is a gamer. He wants to play everyday and he is going to tell us he is fine even when he isn't. That's who he is so we know it and expect it. Judge's injury happened whole playing right field at Dodger stadium last season and this season he will be the everyday centerfielder. Judge may get an occasional day at DH, but he will still expectedly see a notable increase in workload in a very demanding position. It's a risky move for a 32 year old man who is 6 foot 7 with a heavy frame, a lot can go wrong.

Maybe I am just thinking about this too much because it's the Yankees. The Yankees and injuries are one in the same. This makes the return of Jasson Dominguez to centerfield this summer even more important, because the Yankees need to find a way to give Judge some rest to go with this "constant maintenance" that is a mystery.

The Yankees and Brian Cashman especially have made too many mistakes over recent years. I hope this isn't going to be another one, because this has risk written all over it.

How can I donate a toe to Judge? He may need one to make it through the season and mine is structurally sound.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

HEY BLAKE SNELL! TAKE THE OFFER!

According to multiple media outlets, the Yankees have an offer on the table for Blake Snell. This makes me happy. This makes Aaron Judge happy as he believes the Yankees need to make one more move before the start of the season according to the New York Daily News. This is the time. So, hey Blake Snell... take the offer and get to Tampa!

Source: CBS Sports

"Earlier this offseason it was reported the Yankees offered Snell a six-year contract worth $150 million, which is less than the Yankees gave Carlos Rodón last offseason (six years and $162 million). It is unclear whether any other teams have made Snell an offer at this point, though it's likely he and agent Scott Boras have discussed financial parameters with interested clubs," reported CBS Sports.

The Yankees starting rotation includes Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes and likely Clarke Schmidt. Adding Snell would be huge and give the Yankees the competitive advantage they need to win the AL East and move ahead to the postseason.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, "It was reported over the weekend that the Yankees are still interested in free agent left-hander Blake Snell. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com relays today that the club currently has an offer out to the lefty, though adds that the Angels and Giants are still possibilities. Despite that offer, Andy Martino of SNY threw some cold water on the proceedings, suggesting there’s not much momentum to getting a deal done at the moment." The luxury tax is one reason to not go for it but, it may not be enough reason not to get this deal done.

"The Yankees went 82-80 and missed the postseason in 2023 despite Cole's Cy Young campaign. It was their worst record since going 76-86 in 1992. Last week manager Aaron Boone said the Yankees were "hell-bent on being a champion." Signing Snell would certainly up their World Series odds," reported CBS Sports.

And the energy in Tampa is already electric with Giancarlo Stanton looking trim and ready to compete, Aaron Judge fired up and Carlos Rodon slim and clean shaven. There is also the energy of Juan Soto and what he can add to this team.

Source: MLB

"Soto is baseball's golden boy and the Yankees have the advantage this year, over the next nine months, to show him that he belongs in pinstripes. In that way, we can presume that the placement of Soto's locker was also a strategic decision by the Yankees. They want Soto and Stanton to bond. Seven years ago, perhaps the Yankees would've preferred it if Stanton's MVP magic rubbed off on Soto. But now? They're better off wishing Soto's influence on Stanton can revive the veteran's career," reported Fox Sports.

Bottom line- imagine the excitement if Blake Snell walks into George Steinbrenner Stadium this spring? Electric is not even the word—but rather thunder and lightning! Take the offer Blake and compete for the championship in pinstripes!

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

ONE SEASON AT A TIME, BUT WE WANT SOTO FOR THE LONG HAUL

I have not been a fan of the Yankees offseason. That has been well documented here at Bleeding Yankee Blue. I'm unhappy.  

Yesterday at Juan Soto's press conference... well... it didn't make me feel much better about the Yankees future with Juan Soto.  I know, I know, we have to take it one season at a time.  But I want Juan Soto for the remainder of his career. I want Soto to be the difference maker.  Here's the issue... I just don't think it's happening folks.  Why you ask? It's all in his delivery.

ESPN writes:

"On his first official day in camp, Juan Soto walked into George M. Steinbrenner Field, the sun barely up over the horizon, flashed a big smile and told the New York Yankees' social media account, "I have a great feeling."

Based on the comments on Instagram, Yankees fans agree.

They're also making demands: Make Soto a Yankee for life and give him an extension before he reaches free agency at the end of the season.

That remains an unlikely scenario, however, as for now Soto says he's focusing on 2024 -- and decidedly noncommittal about his long-term future.

"We have to get to know the Yankees organization and the city and how it is playing in New York and then make a decision," he said while addressing the media wearing a T-shirt reading "The Generational Juan Soto" and picturing himself in full follow-through swing.

He's just here to play baseball, in other words."

We want him here.  Does he want to be here or is he just collecting a big paycheck for a year while Boras figures it out.

Look, make me feel good about this signing please.  We paid $31.5 million for 1 year of Juan Soto at this very moment.  I can't comprehend that at all. I just can't.

THE YANKEES AREN'T CONTENDERS! CHANGE MY MIND.

We all want the Yankees to be contenders. We are tired of the mediocrity and reminiscing about season's past. This team looks different, it feels different, and it is run different. We are in the age of Aaron Boone the disappointment and Brian Cashman the washed-up General Manager. The difference is we have a new shiny addition.

I'm ready to get back to the Yankees winning ways. I think the Yankees made an "ALL IN" move with Juan Soto but then hit the pause button. They've been idle. Soto is the only significant upgrade. I've already given my two cents about Marcus Stroman, he's not a difference maker. I think Alex Verdugo makes the outfield better if you are comparing him with Aaron Hicks, but why do these moves make the Yankees contenders in the AL East now? If they aren't now, why would one or two moves make them contenders?

Anyone who thinks the Yankees are contenders right now or with the addition of Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery, I still disagree. Pitching isn't ultimately what brought the Yankees down last season. The offense did, and unless the rest of the Yankees magically rally, stay healthy and hit the problem still exists.

And what about the injuries? Since 2021, 91 Yankees have spent time on the Injured list and the Yankees have spent more than $82 million in payroll to players who couldn't even take the field, check it out HERE. We aren't even playing meaningful games yet and the Yankees already have two players out hurt. The Yankees can't stay on the field, and they aren't healthy enough to play to their full potential. This problem is much bigger than adding one more starting pitcher. We need innings eaters too, that's not Snell, Cortes or Rodon right now. This is why the bullpen gets burned out.

This team hasn't been able to hit for years. Let's make a WILD assumption that Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes have magical bounce back seasons in 2024....let's paint the best picture possible. Even with a stacked and healthy rotation, we need the offense to do their part. This lineup is filled with guys that can't put the ball in play, strike out too much and don't practice baseball fundamentals. Contenders aren't swinging for the fences and striking out. They play small ball, bunt, move runners into scoring position and bring them home AND hit the long ball. The Yankees haven't done all of these things in years. They are so hypnotized by analytics and the insanity of doing the same failed routines over and over again that they forgot the basics.

To win, we need Anthony Rizzo back healthy and staying on the field putting the ball in play. We need the 2020 version of DJ LeMahieu to come back....and that's asking a lot. Giancarlo Stanton needs to be productive hitter and stay healthy. We need our young kids to just play good fundamental baseball, which the Yankees have failed to teach. There are too many questions marks here and the Yankees are gambling on rebounds rather than more good additions. Soto and Aaron Judge can't do it all.

When you look at the division, the Orioles are stronger and have a good lineup of young kids. The Rays are always a pain in our side and the Blue Jays can't be forgotten either. The Yankees don't look that different and have the same challenges so why are we going from a fourth-place finish to contenders?

I really want this team to surprise us all, and I hope they do but the Yankees have fundamental issues that haven't been corrected. A whole lot needs to go right for the Yankees to climb that high in the AL East. I want it to happen.... but I have reservations.

The Yankees can get all the arms they want, but unless they are also strong hitters it doesn't make the Yankees contenders overnight.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj 

YANKEES ARE ONE MOVE AWAY FROM COMPETITIVE CONTENTION

Source: Forbes

Earlier this week I wrote about the Yankees potential for grabbing free agent Blake Snell. You can read the piece HERE. If not Snell than who? Sure Carlos Rodon looks lean and clean. Sure Marcus Stroman has swagger. And Gerrit Cole is coming off a Cy Young high. But does the starting rotation really have what it takes to beat up on teams and contend for the World Series? I don't think so. I think they are one move away.

According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, "Bottom line: If the Yankees are going to make the playoffs and contend for a World Series title, it's not without adding another strong starter, and with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery left on the free-agent board and Dylan Cease of the (Chicago White Sox) still available via trade, New York must land one of them," Bowden said. That's his take. That's my take. What's Brian Cashman's take? 

Source: YES

Cashman has stated publicly that nothing is blocked as far as reaching out to agents or agents reaching out to him. "But we do like what we have here. But it’s a long season. We’re certainly not going to assume that what we have now is going to be enough. That’s why the job is always to be open,” said Cashman as reported by Patrick McAvoy for SI.com. 

The injury bug has not been kind to the Yankee pitchers over the last several seasons. And although they have strong arms in their minor league system, there is always a air of caution in bringing the youth up too soon. 

Source: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

According to The New York Post, "Will Warren and Chase Hampton threw live batting practice on a backfield with an interested crowd that included a handful of Yankees executives and coaches. “They looked really good,” manager Aaron Boone said. “Two guys we’re certainly excited about and excited that they’re in camp with us and checking that box of that experience, which is important to be around our guys. I’m excited about their progress and definitely feel like those guys have bright futures.” 

Warren could see his way to the Bronx sooner than Hampton but it would be a longshot for either of them to be on the roster come opening day. Which again begs the question, are the Yankees ready with the rotation they have now? I still think they are one move away. If the Yankees are going to contend against the Orioles who 101 games last season and continue to chip away at the pesty Blue Jays and Rays, they need more than what they have right now. 

Source: KXAN

The future looks bright with the first preseason game only one week away. Will the Yankees provide a good forecast for their upcoming season with their roster moves this off-season? Hard to say. A lot is riding on Juan Soto to perform and of course Stroman and Alex Verdugo. Maybe Warren will be ready but guaranteed one of the seasoned veterans available will be fired up to play well. It will be an interesting week ahead for the Yankees. Can't wait to see if Cashman bites the bullet and gets one more strong arm. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof