Astros Reportedly Could Sign Rumored Yankees Target In Possible Shocking Move

It sounds like New York will have some competition for its rumored target

The New York Yankees are in a tough spot.

New York needs to improve its starting rotation after the news that Gerrit Cole will miss one or two months. This won't be easy for the Yankees, though.

The Yankees' payroll already is through the roof and an addition would lead to massive tax implications. Although this is the case, New York continues to be linked to two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.

Snell would be a great pickup for the Yankees, but it sounds like they will have some competition for him if they decide that the price tag is worth it. The Houston Astros reportedly could have an interest in Snell as well, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"Justin Verlander is recovering from a shoulder injury that will result in the right-hander missing Opening Day," Murray said. "Both Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are recovering from elbow surgeries and aren’t expected to return until after the All-Star break.

"Astros owner Jim Crane has coveted free-agent pitcher Blake Snell in the past, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic, with general manager Dana Brown saying: As long as Snell is on the market, we check in to ask what is the latest. Nothing new as of now.” But given Crane’s affinity with Snell, and the Astros’ need for arms in the rotation, perhaps that could put Crane and the Astros in play for the free-agent left-hander."

Houston already is one of the top teams in the American League and added superstar closer Josh Hader in free agency. If the Astros somehow could land Snell too, that would be bad news for New York.