ESPN Insider Predicts Yankees to Sign Cy Young Winner, Despite Reports

Jeff Passan predicted that the Blake Snell sweepstakes will come down to the Yankees and Angels.

The Blake Snell rumors refuse to die.

Despite a report from NJ.com's Bob Klapisch that seemingly denied any chance of Snell joining the New York Yankees, ESPN insider Jeff Passan still predicts that the reigning NL Cy Young winner will don the pinstripes.

Passan did mention that there is another suitor for Snell, that being the Los Angeles Angels. However, he still considers the Yankees to be the most logical destination, and that the Yankees and Angels will be Snell's last two suitors. Passan made this prediction during ESPN's broadcast of the Los Angeles Dodgers-San Diego Padres spring training game on Friday.

Jeff Passan said the Yankees make the most sense for Snell, but believes the Angels are still in play and that it will ultimately come down to Yankees and Angels. pic.twitter.com/QtLNrU7TsD

— Dugout Station (@DugoutStation) February 23, 2024

Klapisch's source tried to refute the Snell rumors by stating that team owner Hal Steinbrenner's "looking to improve" comment was in reference to improving the bullpen or making a move at the trade deadline. Additionally, with the Yankees over the luxury tax, they would have to pay 110% in tax penalties, which would more than double an already exorbitant price for Snell.

Even then, Passan is making this prediction based on his own sources, the needs for every MLB team, and if a team can afford to make such a move. Regarding sources, Passan is arguably the most reliable MLB insider in regards to breaking news, so his words perhaps carry more weight than Klapisch's source. 

As for cost and need, the Yankees are by far the most valuable franchise in the league by revenue, and the acquisition of Snell would instantly make the Bronx Bombers true World Series contenders, with a lineup and rotation full of stars. 

The Snell sweepstakes have been full of conflicting reports, but if a reputable source like Passan predicts that he will go to the Bronx, then Yankee fans should feel good about their team's chances.