Padres News: Blake Snell Has Reportedly Expressed Interest In Playing For AL East Squad

Will Snell head back to the AL East?

Free agent starting pitcher Blake Snell is the best arm available on the open market. He is expected to receive a massive payday this offseason, and there are plenty of teams in on him.

After a strong season with the San Diego Padres that saw him win the National League Cy Young, Snell is ready to cash in. He provides any rotation with an ace-level pitcher, and it seems that he could be headed East. 

SNY's Andy Martino is reporting that Snell has privately expressed interest in playing for the Yankees. New York has long been thought to be an option for Snell since they missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

"League sources say that two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has privately expressed an interest in playing for the Yankees, though he has plenty of other suitors. At the moment, Snell seems a more likely fit in New York than Jordan Montgomery, with whom they have also talked."

Per Andy Martino of SNY

Having Snell alongside Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon would give the Yankees a lethal big three at the top of the rotation. He has proven to be a very effective pitcher and has plenty of postseason experience.

New York is very familiar with Snell from his time with the Tampa Bay Rays, so they know how good he is. The veteran left-hander posted an ERA of 2.25 last season with San Diego but is unlikely to return to the Padres.

After missing the playoffs, the Yankees set out to change the narrative around their team. They acquired star Juan Soto from the Padres earlier in the winter and now are looking at their pitching staff.

Snell fits very well in New York and would give them another home run addition this offseason. The Bronx Bombers want another title, and adding Snell would be a good way to make it happen.

Update: Jon Heyman of the New York Post provided an update to the SNY report, saying Snell will not limit his options to the East:

https://t.co/I19iqabX9n. Interested Yankees shouldn’t assume Blake Snell prefers to stay west. Boras tell us he’s “open to all,” and only prefers to win. (note: should NYY sign Snell they’d be the first team in 34 years to possess both defending Cy Young winners)

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 4, 2024