A LUIS GIL UPDATE & NEW PITCHING RUMOR ALL IN ONE!

Never say "It can't get any worse" because that is a signal to the universe to release more bad luck. We can't take any more bad luck. We need pitching reinforcements and fast. The Yankees will need to get creative.

So, every day I have been scouring every source I have to look for any updates on Luis Gil. Yesterday, we finally got an update with minimal details, but it wasn't "good" news, read more HERE. Gil has been shut down since early last month and the plan was to get him throwing by today, but that's not going to happen. Gil's latest MRI shows healing on the high-grade lat strain but not enough. So, Gil may not be ready to pitch until the All-Star break. Aaron Boone gave an update yesterday and it sounded like typical Boone babble. "It's going as it should," Boone said before the Yankees finished a series against the Royals in The Bronx. "We just need another 10 days."

Needing another 10 days is not "going as it should" when the plan was to start throwing. I just hope this isn't worse than it really is. Starting pitching is everything in baseball and the Yankees need to go get it. We are lucky to have Max Fried right now. He's the only one worth a damn at this point.

The Yankees need to add some quality starters. This is supposed to be a favorite to get back to the World Series and this pitching staff just isn't going to cut it. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman are not pitchers that are going to get us back to October baseball. We already talked about names that would help us in I'LL BANG THE DRUM AGAIN! THE YANKEES NEED STARTING PITCHING! but a new name is floating around social media.

Lots of rumors out there swirling that by the trade deadline, the Dodgers could have a pitching surplus that they may not need and could move Tony Gonsolin, read more HERE. Interesting idea but that is assuming everything goes right for the Dodgers and their surplus actually happens. Right now they are dealing with their own injury problems. In the coming months, the Dodgers hope to have Clayton Kershaw, Blake Snell and Shohei Ohtani pitching again. That's three big names assuming the Dodgers will have back if all goes right.

If the stars magically align, Gonsolin could become available but if he is, the Dodgers aren't going to be anxious to do the Yankees a favor and Gonsolin comes with some risk. He missed all of 2024 after having TJ surgery, he hasn't pitched this season due to a minor back injury. What stands out most, is he hasn't pitched a full season since 2022, but he did pitch to a 16-1 record with a 2.14 ERA. 

Does he have that kind of magic in him still? Who knows but knowing that he sounds like the exact ballplayer that Brian Cashman targets. He looks for that lightning in a bottle or dumpster dive type of move as some fans call it that doesn't cost as much. He's more affordable for Hal Steinbrenner at $5.4 million dollars and wouldn't be a free agent until 2027. On paper, he's what the Yankees target.....

Honestly, I'm not jazzed about Gonsolin and it may not even be realistic.... but we've gotta do something. The Yankees can't continue to sit on their hands and say thousands of prayers hoping they get back to the World Series with this pitching.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

DODGERS SPENDING HABITS ARE TOO MUCH FOR THE YANKEES

Could it be possible that the spotlight of evil is off the Yankees? The Athletic thinks so. In fact their quote is this, "Maybe the Evil Empire really has relocated to the West Coast." Yes, maybe, and eventually they have to pay up. I feel like they just keep racking in the "Bobby Bonillas". In case you don't know, this was the contract the New York Mets agreed on in order to bring in and eventually cut Bonilla back in 2001. He is paid every July 1 through 2035. The Dodgers have a few of those kinds of contracts. In fact, "The Dodgers have committed nearly a half-billion in guaranteed dollars to players this offseason, second only to the New York Mets, who signed Juan Soto to a historic 15-year, $765 million deal." So it is safe to say that the Dodgers spending habits are wide and deep, perhaps too deep for the Yankees.

According to The Athletic, "This winter, the Dodgers made the following big-money signings: Lefty starting pitcher Blake Snell, five years, $182 million; lefty reliever Tanner Scott, four years, $72 million; outfielder Teoscar Hernández, three years, $66 million; righty reliever Blake Treinen, two years, $22 million; outfielder Michael Conforto, one year, $17 million; and infielder Hyeseong Kim, three years, $12.5 million. They also landed Japanese free-agent starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, the most coveted international prospect of the winter." This is in addition of course to Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, must I go on? You can see the whole payroll here.

But the Yankees haven't been quiet in the off season. They have made some upgrades for sure. But not quite at the expense that the Dodgers have. They have picked up starting pitcher Max Fried, veteran first base man Paul Goldschmidt, outfield Cody Bellinger and likely the best closer in the game right now in Devin Williams. Yet, still, the Death Star march plays for the Dodgers who have positioned themselves as not only the team to beat but the team to hate.

What likely adds salt to the Yankees wounds is that the Dodgers are favored to repeat in 2025, perhaps a rematch in the Fall Classic with their rival Bombers. But I think Hal Steinbrenner has the right mindset here, “They still have to have a season relatively injury-free for it to work out for them, and it’s a long season, as you know, and once you get to the postseason, anything can happen. We’ve seen that time and time again. We’ll see who’s there at the end.” He's right. The season is unforgiving. And injuries are inevitable. It is about who is left standing at the end. And this year, the Yankees hope it's them and that they have done enough.

With Spring Training only a few weeks away, the anticipation for the new season is high. Will the Yankees start early and stay strong? My prediction is yes. They have a good start; they lead the East through the All-Star Break, and they have a heck of half of a season. But guess what, so do the Dodgers. So, then it really comes down to do the dollar pay for endurance and greatness? We shall see. It will be interesting to watch what money can pay for. 

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

DODGERS SIGN YET ANOTHER RELIABLE ARM FOR THEIR ALREADY STELLAR TEAM

The Los Angeles Dodgers are at it again, like that one kid in your neighborhood Monopoly game who buys every property, throws down hotels, and then has the audacity to shrug when everyone else is bankrupt. This offseason, they're not just trying to win—they’re trying to assemble the Avengers of MLB. And sure, if it’s within the rules, there’s technically nothing wrong with it. But let’s be real: it’s absolutely infuriating.

Their latest moves? Signing lefty ace Tanner Scott for a cool four years and $72 million, and following that up by snagging Kirby Yates, one of 2024’s best relievers. Because, apparently, having a bullpen that’s merely excellent wasn’t enough. Oh, and don’t forget the rest of their historic offseason shopping spree: Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Teoscar Hernández (re-signed), Michael Conforto, Hyeseong Kim, and Blake Treinen (also re-signed). At this point, the only thing missing is Shohei Ohtani pitching one inning while playing center field in the next.

But let’s focus on Sasaki for a second—because that one has rival execs lighting up group chats with conspiracy theories. The whispers are deafening: was there a pre-existing deal between Sasaki and the Dodgers? Was MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred asleep at the wheel? Rival teams are livid, and frankly, they’ve got a point. Sasaki’s decision supposedly “came down” to the Dodgers, Padres, and Blue Jays, but everyone with a pulse knew this was ending in Dodger blue. And then, just hours after signing Sasaki, they drop the Tanner Scott deal. Coincidence? Yeah, and I’m a Cy Young contender.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ rotation now looks like it was assembled in a video game, their bullpen is untouchable, and the rest of the league is left trying to figure out how to even compete. It’s like the rich kid showed up to the sandlot with a golden bat and hired a personal trainer just to flex on everyone else.

The Dodgers are ruining baseball. Sure, they’re technically playing by the rules, but when the rules let you stockpile talent like you’re hoarding limited-edition sneakers, maybe it’s time for a rulebook rewrite. Until then, the rest of us will be here, rolling our eyes, praying for an underdog miracle, and watching the Dodgers parade their All-Star roster like a kid showing off his Pokémon card collection. It’s getting old, L.A. Seriously.

HOG DODGERS BUY ANOTHER TOP PITCHER

The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with free agent closer Tanner Scott on a four-year, $72 million deal, according to Jeff Passan. 

Scott, who was traded to the Padres at the deadline, posted a 1.75 ERA and 2.92 FIP between the two clubs. The Dodgers reportedly had Scott as one of their top targets this offseason.

Bob Nightengale mentions that the Boston Red Sox offered Scott more years at a higher average annual value than the Dodgers, but he chose LA instead. Scott's deal includes a $20 million signing bonus and $21 million in deferred payments, a structure the Dodgers have employed in several deals this offseason, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The addition of Scott likely marks the conclusion of another busy offseason for the reigning World Series champions. Before signing Scott, the Dodgers added Blake Snell, one of the top starters on the market; re-signed Teoscar Hernandez; signed Michael Conforto to solidify the corner outfield; brought in Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim, extended Tommy Edman; and, in one of the off-season's most significant moves, attracted phenom Roki Sasaki.

While the Yankees were once considered the "Evil Empire" for their lavish spending, the current state of the Dodgers' financial muscle raises eyebrows in my opinion. The sheer amount of money they can spend on players seems unbelievably unbalanced compared to the rest of Major League Baseball. It's almost a monopoly. It's almost sickening. It's almost curious how it's being managed.

In fact, the Dodgers' financial maneuvers could be considered suspicious in my eyes as they continue to outbid and outmaneuver other teams. Their ability to consistently secure top talent is both impressive and perplexing, leading some to question how they manage their finances. It's nuts.

As you know, Tanner Scott was loosely connected to the Yankees, with Bleeding Yankee Blue recently writing about him in an article titled MOMENTUM COULD BE BUILDING ON TANNER SCOTT. However, just hours later, reports surfaced that the Yankees were more focused on Andrew Chafin than on Scott. 

Whatever the case, the Dodgers' dominance in the market is ridiculous. Wow.

THE DODGERS ARE THE NEW EVIL EMPIRE? NOT SO FAST

First, they signed Roki Sasaki. Then came Blake Snell. Next, they brought back Teoscar Hernández. And just when you thought they were done, they went and signed Hyeseong Kim—prompting most fans to Google "Who is Hyeseong Kim?" only to get mad when they realized he was now a Dodger. The reaction across the league? "This is over. It's unfair. One team shouldn't be allowed to sign all the stars!"

If you’re a Yankees fan, this panic should feel eerily familiar. Sound like 1998 to you? The 2024 Dodgers might look like the ’98 Yankees, but they’ve got a bit of the ‘96 Braves in them too—those Braves who boasted a rotation that could strike fear into anyone: Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz. A trio so good, they seemed invincible in a short series. Well, until they weren’t. The Yankees knocked them off. Repeatedly.

The '98 Yankees were a different beast altogether, one of the greatest teams ever assembled. With 114 wins in the regular season and a postseason that ended with them at a ridiculous 125-50 record, they were a juggernaut. Their ERA? Sixth best in baseball. Their runs scored. League-leading. This wasn’t just a team—it was a finely-tuned, record-smashing machine.

Now, back to the Dodgers. Their roster? It’s a veritable who’s who of baseball talent. Their rotation? Strong enough that their sixth starter might be better than some teams’ aces. Their payroll? The kind of money that makes other teams weep. But before you throw in the towel, remember this: baseball is wonderfully, maddeningly unpredictable.

The 1996-2000 Yankees were a masterclass in smart team building. They built up to it by nailing their drafts, grabbing Derek Jeter early and finding gems like Jorge Posada and Andy Pettitte in the later rounds. They scoured the globe for hidden talent, unearthing Mariano Rivera, and pulled off clever trades like the one that brought Paul O’Neill to the Bronx. Scott Brosius was plucked off the A's bench—no one thought that move was season-defining, but it was.

Clemens joining the squad in 1999 as the moment the Yankees became the baseball equivalent of a Death Star. 

By the early 2000s, the Yankees shifted from precision to sheer accumulation. Jason Giambi.

But back to 1996 for a second, the Yankee build up to their run.  The 1996 Braves were untouchable—until they weren’t. The 2003 Yankees were packed with talent, but they fell to the plucky, wildcard Marlins. Even the Dodgers, for all their might, are vulnerable. Just like the Braves were dethroned by a scrappy, cobbled-together Yankees team in '96, the Dodgers can be beaten.

Yes, the Dodgers have it all: chemistry, depth, star power, and enough financial firepower to outbid anyone. But so did the ’96 Braves. And we all know how that story ended. The season’s not over until the final out. And in baseball, any team can have its Cinderella moment.

So go ahead, be mad at the Dodgers for doing what every team dreams of—stockpiling stars like it's a Black Friday sale. But keep rooting for your team. Because this is baseball, and in baseball, anything can happen. Just ask the ’96 Braves. Or the 2003 Yankees or even the 2001 Yanks. Sometimes, the Goliaths fall. And that’s what keeps the game so exhilarating.

By the way, shout out to Yanks go Yard for keeping us all thinking about stuff like this. Good Article.

--Alvin Izzo
BYB Yankee History Contributor

THE YANKEES & RED SOX ABOUT TO FIGHT FOR MAX FRIED

As you know, Max Fried’s time in Atlanta is looking as over as a fried chicken sandwich at lunchtime. Braves fans, brace yourselves—your ace is packing his bags, and his next stop is likely in a city where $200 million contracts flow like sweet tea in the South.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today Sports put it bluntly:

“They haven’t thrown a pitch in more than two months, but their stocks have soared thanks to the contracts given to pitchers whose resumes pale in comparison. When Matthew Boyd receives a 2-year, $29 million contract without throwing more than 79 innings since 2019, when Luis Severino is getting $67 million over three years and Blake Snell is making an average annual salary of $36.4 million, Burnes and Fried should top $200 million.”

Translation? Fried is about to get paid. Like, Scrooge McDuck diving into a vault paid. And why not? His resume is pure gold. Over 168 appearances (151 starts), he’s put up a dazzling 3.07 ERA, a tidy 1.16 WHIP, and racked up 863 strikeouts. Toss in two All-Star nods, three Gold Gloves, and a couple of Cy Young votes—one as the 2022 runner-up—and you’ve got a pitcher who’s not just good. He’s elite.

The Braves? Well, they’re not the Yankees or Red Sox when it comes to free-agent spending sprees. And let’s face it, Fried’s not sticking around for pocket change and a nice thank-you note. Nightengale didn’t hold back here, either:

“Fried priced himself out of Atlanta, but is expected to sign with the Yankees or Red Sox. If Soto goes to the Mets, Fried could find himself in a nice bidding war between the Red Sox and Yankees.”

Bidding war? You better believe it. The Yankees reportedly had a Zoom call with Fried that went “very well.” Translation: they’re already envisioning Fried carving up lineups in pinstripes. Meanwhile, the Red Sox have been hot on his trail from the jump, ready to throw Fenway-sized money at the lefty ace.

For Braves fans, this is a gut punch. Losing Fried stings. But Atlanta’s hands are tied here. Thanks to an offseason market that saw guys like Luis Severino and Blake Snell cash in big, Fried’s price tag rocketed into another stratosphere—one the Braves can’t afford.

Now, if it were up to me (and let’s pretend it is), I’d love to see the Yankees pivot to Corbin Burnes. Why not Burnes, you ask? He’s every bit as good as Fried and would add a Milwaukee-style kick to that rotation. But hey, what do I know? I’m just here for the drama.

For now, all eyes are on Fried and where he’ll land. Yankees or Red Sox? Either way, Braves fans will be watching through their fingers, wishing they could hold onto their ace just a little longer. Meanwhile, Fried is about to dive into a pile of cash that would make even his curveball jealous. Stay tuned.

REFLECTING ON THE SEASON PAST

Last weekend I ran the Philadelphia Half Marathon and then on Sunday, I spectated the full marathon. I felt inspired in both instances because I met incredible people who were out there to reach their goals: to finish or to set a personal best. Either way, they were there for the win. In fact there was one guy in particular that gave me the ultimate inspiration. You can see for yourself in the image I captured below. 

Reflecting on all of this and coupling that with the loss I have felt since Game 5 of the World Series, I realized one thing: this season was a steppingstone for something more. And that something more could be realized if the Yankee brass really digs into what needs to be done and do it. 

"The Dodgers, with the help of poor defense from New York, orchestrated a historic comeback after facing a 0-5 deficit. It was the sort of jaw-dropping game that seems too crazy to be true, and yet it was the very inning that transpired for the Dodgers to take home their eighth World Series title," reported Dodgers Nation. That comeback inspired the Dodgers to dig into the Yankees, giving them more attention than the actual World Series Title they won. Why? I mean, do you really need to kick a guy when they are down? Actually, no. And on that note Baseball Analyst Buster Olney called out the Dodgers for their poor form. “I know this: If the Yankees had won, Aaron Judge wouldn’t have crapped on the Dodgers,” Olney said. “Giancarlo Stanton wouldn’t have. Anthony Volpe? No chance." The Yankees remain a class act while the Dodgers look like nothing more than a bunch of thugs. Oh, and did they forget we have the AL MVP on our roster? 

Yet there is the defensive work that the Yankees need to put in during the off season leading into Spring Training. With likely a brand-new infield other than Volpe, it will be very interesting how the team will work together to meet defensive expectations.

Then there is the pitching concerns which Hal Steinbrenner pointed out in an interview on Sunday. “I don’t think you can ever have enough pitching,” Steinbrenner told reporters last week at the owner’s meetings in Manhattan. “We’re going to take a deep dive into the starting rotation, into the bullpen.” This could include bringing in Dodger starting pitcher Walker Buehler. According to Forbes, "Before Buehler dominated the Yankees in his six innings during Fall Classic, he was 1-6 with a 5.38 ERA in 75 1/3 innings and struggled in his first postseason start by allowing six runs in five innings in Game 3 of the NLDS but then he turned it on, pitching 10 shutout innings in his final three postseason appearances." 

Buehler would be considerably less cash than a Corbin Burnes. And the Yankees have 2024 Rookie of the Year Luis Gil as well as a healthy Clarke Schmidt. But as they are quick to point out, it is Juan Soto that is dominating every thought and reflection. 

"Buehler is certainly an intriguing name but the bigger intrigue in the upcoming weeks is the offer to Soto and if the Yankees can retain him to keep the pairing of him and Aaron Judge intact. Until then it is a long way from mutual interest to an actual contract agreement and the Yankees are all hands on deck for Soto before anything else at the moment."

So can the Yankees be inspirational again like in the late 1990s and 2000s? Can they build back what they have lost and come back even better. I think so. They are in fact the good guys, despite what others say. And if they can actually land Soto and Buehler and get their infield squared up, they could be in clear contention in 2025. And wouldn't that be something inspirational. 

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @suzieprof

DODGERS STRIKE FIRST & SIGN BLAKE SNELL!

The Los Angeles Dodgers are making waves already, sending a loud and clear message to the New York Yankees and the rest of Major League Baseball: they are the true powerhouse of the sport. While the Yankees are still deep in discussions about acquiring Juan Soto and a broken-down Jonathan Loaisiga, the Dodgers are flexing their financial muscle, making bold moves that leave no doubt about their intentions to dominate.

On Tuesday night, after I wrote 3 BIG PITCHING TARGETS FOR THE YANKEES, BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON SOTO, the Dodgers struck a blockbuster deal, signing ace Blake Snell to a five-year, $182 million contract. The agreement, confirmed by The New York Post and says it came from Jon Heyman and is pending a physical and includes a massive $52 million signing bonus. Notably, the deal contains no opt-outs and comes with limited no-trade protection, ensuring Snell will anchor the Dodgers' rotation through his age 36 season.

Meanwhile, the Yankees have been focused on potentially landing Juan Soto to bolster their lineup while trying to lock down Jonathan Loaisiga as a key arm and then a lot of rumors about a lot of guys that I am not sure we will ever see in a Yankee uniform. But as New York continues to weigh their options, the Dodgers are making decisive moves. This signing not only strengthens their rotation but also serves as a direct challenge to the Yankees, a team traditionally associated with making the most daring and expensive moves in the game.

By signing Snell, the Dodgers are doubling down on their title aspirations, building a rotation that already features some of the best arms in the league. This isn't just a signing; it’s a warning shot fired across the Yankees’ bow, a statement that Los Angeles is here to outspend, outplay, and outlast any contender.

Blake Snell’s acquisition is the largest deal of the offseason so far and cements the Dodgers’ reputation as the most aggressive franchise in the league. Meanwhile, the Yankees must take note. While their pursuit of Soto could be a game-changer for their offense, the Dodgers have already bolstered their rotation, addressing a crucial area of need. It’s a bold move that underscores the Dodgers’ seemingly unlimited resources and their willingness to do whatever it takes to stay ahead in the MLB arms race.

Blake Snell’s arrival not only solidifies Los Angeles’ rotation but also serves as a sharp reminder to the Yankees that dominance in today’s MLB requires swift and decisive action but Hal Steinbrenner is way too timid. 

Whether the Bronx Bombers can answer this challenge remains to be seen, but for now, the Dodgers have claimed the offseason spotlight—and the Yankees are left in their shadow.

3 BIG PITCHING TARGETS FOR THE YANKEES, BUT IT ALL DEPENDS ON SOTO

Ah, Jon Heyman. You gotta hand it to the guy—he makes you click. 

The man is a clickbait Picasso, spinning vague headlines and speculative rumors into must-click gold. Remember "Arson Judge"? The internet burned for days! Now he’s back, and this time it’s all about the Yankees, Juan Soto, and ace pitchers. Spoiler: nobody knows anything, but somehow, we’re still here.

So, according to Heyman—our modern-day Nostradamus of the hot stove—the Yankees have “checked in” on Max Fried, Corbin Burnes, and Blake Snell. Translation? Someone in the Yankees' front office probably Googled their Baseball Reference pages. But the big catch is this: whether the Yankees actually pursue one of these aces depends on if Soto re-signs. Yep, the entire pitching market apparently revolves around one guy. Classic Yankees drama.

Burnes is the top prize in my opinion, with projections putting his next contract north of $200 million. But wait—what if Max Fried, with his postseason pedigree and lefty magic, is actually the most sought-after arm? (Cue dramatic reality show music.) Fried isn't likely to touch Burnes' price tag, but he’s bringing serious heat on the market after declining the Braves’ qualifying offer. The Yankees, Giants, and Red Sox are all reportedly drooling over him.

Blake Snell? 

He’s just chilling, posting a solid 3.12 ERA, 145 strikeouts, and a 1.05 WHIP in 2024. He’s projected to get a modest (in MLB terms) five-year, $131 million deal, which makes him a relatively affordable Plan B. The Red Sox, despite having a respectable 2024 team ERA (because who doesn’t love a random stat drop?), might want to splurge. Beantown’s gotta keep up with the Yankees somehow, right?

Back to the Bronx, where Gerrit Cole’s triumphant return this year erased the immediate need for an ace. But let’s be honest: the Yankees collecting pitchers is like you collecting takeout menus. Do they need Fried, Burnes, or Snell? No. Do they want one? Absolutely. Picture Luis Gil, Carlos Rodón, Cole, and a shiny new toy like Fried—chef’s kiss. That’s rotation royalty.

But here’s the kicker: none of this happens unless Juan Soto decides he loves pinstripes enough to stay. If Soto bounces, the Yankees will pivot faster than a kid pretending they weren’t reaching for the last cookie. Suddenly, it’s all about pitching. Burnes! Snell! Fried! We’re signing them all! Or maybe just Googling their names again. Who knows...

And here’s the thing: you just read all of this, and I wrote it... all because of Jon Heyman. He’s the king of the vague-yet-enticing rumor mill. Is he often wrong? Oh, for sure. But he’s got us wrapped around his Twitter finger. Whether or not the Yankees pull off a blockbuster, one thing’s for sure: Jon Heyman is absolutely crushing his job. Now excuse me while I refresh his feed.

THE YANKEES ARE ENGAGED WITH TOP TIER TALENT!

It's REALLY early but for once, it's nice to hear some rumors about the Yankees talking to difference makers. I'm so tired of Brian Cashman shopping for bottom of the barrel guys in hopes of catching lightening in a bottle. It never works.

There are some eye-catching names that are available this winter. We all know everyone is checking in on Juan Soto, but there's other interesting names out there, which is what we all want to hear. I thought last year it was pretty uninteresting. Soto will be a nice catch for someone, but he isn't the only nice target out there.

So, the Yankees have to be smart about this. They can't stay hyper focused on Soto, we need a lot of upgrades. So, the Yankees are laying the groundwork, read more HERE. It's too early to get super excited about any leads yet but the Yankees are making calls, and a top end of the rotation starting pitcher appears to be on the wish list. If we could add a Corbin Burnes or Max Fried to the rotation, it makes the rotation deeper, allows us to stash Marcus Stroman in the bullpen and takes some pressure off of Gerrit Cole (he can't do EVERYTHING) and just fortifies this team.

There's also that Blake Snell rumor that just doesn't want to die and go away. It's back. I wish it would just disappear into outer space because I personally don't want Snell but, the Yankees have checked in as they have before. If nothing else, hopefully it drives up the price and maybe some other team pays through the nose for him!

The Yankees are thinking about more than just pitching, and they need to. We need help all along the infield and what if the Yankees can't get Soto back? They need another outfielder. The Yankees have checked in on Anthony Santander and Pete Alonso. I'm not gonna lie, secretly I would like to lure someone from the Mets to the Yankee dark side as I laugh at Steve Cohen, however I am not 100% sold on Alonso as our new first baseman. Santander on the other hand, love his switch-hitting abilities but he fits other Yankee traits: all or nothing with a low batting average, higher strikeouts with some pop and can help with some RBI's. I just don't want more of the same old fundamentally flawed Yankee lineup. Sounds just like more of Brian Cashman's existing failed strategy, so no wonder the Yankees are tied to him.

The Yankees have a lot of work to do. I'm anxious to see how this plays out, because Hal Steinbrenner says current payroll isn't sustainable. So, if he's serious it feels like another starter AND getting Soto back feels unlikely. We need help so....do better, Cashman. Make smart choices for once.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

YANKEES MAKE ANOTHER PITCH AT A BLAKE SNELL TRADE!

Let the Blake Snell speculation and rumors return again! It's the name that never goes away. The Yankees pursued him during the winter and now they are doing it again. They are desperate to improve their roster to make a playoff run and I guess old habits die hard when it comes to Snell.

According to Jon Heyman, the Yankees and five other teams have called the Giants to talk trade. Timing is everything, and the Giants are loving the position they are in right now. Seriously, they are 4.5 games out of the final NL Wild Card spot and have options to weigh before Tuesday's trade deadline. If they think they can make a run at the postseason they can hold onto him. Or, if they want to retool for next season they can trade him to the highest bidder.

Snell has turned the corner in July, so again timing is everything. This month, he has given up two runs in 24 innings with 30 strikeouts. His best start was on Saturday where he pitched 6 innings, only allowed two hits and two walks and struck out 15. Before July, his season looked like a dud with ten total starts after being plagued with injuries. His 5.1 ERA isn't impressive, but if Snell is starting to settle in after not having a typical Spring, that number could change even more.

It's not a secret, the Yankee rotation needs a lot of help. Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes and Carlos Rodon overachieved early on and aren't getting hte job done. But do the Yankees really think Snell will? I am not convinced. The Yankees made a 6-year $150 million offer over the winter and weren't willing to go higher. They didn't need to outbid themselves, and Snell ended up settling for a 2-year $62 million contract with an opt out after this season. The Yankees weren't willing to go higher when it would've only cost a financial obligation.

I say "only" because even though the price tag is hefty, it's nothing for the New York Yankees. Now if the Yankees want Snell, they take on the rest of his contract and have to give up more prospects. The Yankees weren't willing to go higher with money, why would they give up more of the farm for what is likely to be a short-term rental? I just don't see it.

And maybe because there is nothing to see. The Yankees are good at driving up price tags, and I think this is what they could be doing here. Snell isn't as good NOW as he was in the winter when they passed on overpaying for him the first time. 

Time will tell what happens, but I am not betting on Snell coming to the Bronx... and I won't lose any sleep over it either.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

SOTO READY TO LET BORAS "DO HIS THING" EVEN THOUGH HE'S SUCKED AT IT LATELY

It's no secret, Juan Soto will be the top free agent this winter. Hal Steinbrenner has been hopeful that Soto would sign a midseason extension, but that isn't happening. The baseball world has known it, but now it's come right from Soto's mouth so Hal can get off his delusional train ride. 

It's that time of the year. The Subway Series always sparks some sensational Yankees and Mets gossip and John Heyman shared in the New York Post HERE that the Mets could be the Yankees biggest threat to sign Soto this winter. We all know Steve Cohen has a big piggy bank and is more likely to spend more of it than Hal is but Soto replied with "we will see. In the offseason we will figure it out. I'll let [agent Scott Boras] do his thing. We're going to see." 

And we are definitely going to see. Soto clearly has a lot of faith in Boras, but does he have too much faith? Serious question. You can say many things about Boras like he is "bad for baseball" for example. He does get a pretty penny for his clients, which causes us to pay more money in the end but historically he's been great at his job. It's all about making his clients the most money, which he has done.....

Except this past winter, he had an epic fall from grace. Take a look at the MLBtraderumors.com projected for five of his clients and compare it to what they signed for:

Cody Bellinger: PROJECTED 12 years, $264 million     ACTUAL: 3 years, $80 million
Blake Snell: PROJECTED 7 years, $200 million             ACTUAL: 2 years, $60 million
Jordan Montgomery: PROJECTED 6 years, $150 million     ACTUAL: 1 year, $25 million
Matt Chapman: PROJECTED 6 years, $150 million       ACTUAL: 3 years, $54 million
J.D. Martinez: PROJECTED 2 years, $40 million           ACTUAL: 1 year, $12 million
TOTAL PROJECTED:   $804 million                              ACTUAL:   $231 million

All five of these players had impressive 2023 seasons. Bellinger won a Silver Slugger. Snell won his second Cy Young Award. Montgomery got a World Series ring. Chapman won a Gold Glove. Martinez was an All-Star. All of these guys were expecting a bigger pay day. It didn't happen.

The market didn't value these guys the same way Boras did. He tried to sell it in a tough financial market but it didn't happen. Diamond Sports Group filed for bankruptcy, and they provide television broadcasts for almost HALF of all MLB, NBA and NHL games. This left almost HALF of all MLB teams facing uncertainty about any local tv coverage in the future. One of these teams were the Rangers, who wanted but couldn't afford to bring back Montgomery.

So Boras didn't have the healthiest market to sell his clients to. In the end, Montgomery left Boras for new agents so it's not a great look for Boras. Now Soto trusts Boras to "do his thing" and get him the biggest and best deal? That's a scary gamble. 

Soto has declined as many as seven contract extensions in the last five years. He believes Boras will bring him his pay day, but is he foolish to do so? Will Boras misread the market again? It could happen.

I dunno Soto, Boras didn't "do his thing" for his clients last year. It might not work out the way you think it will.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj