Yankees Notes: Snell, Injuries, Judge
An update on the New York Yankees' pursuit of Blake Snell, updates on the health of Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton, and Aaron Judge's new role as the team's center fielder.
Yankees' Offer to Blake Snell Still Far from Agreement
The New York Yankees made an offer to left-hander Blake Snell earlier this month, but no deal has been reached yet. According to recent reports, the Yankees offered Snell $150 million over six years, which falls short of his expectations. Snell is seeking a longer deal or an annual salary of at least $30 million. Despite the significant gap between the sides, there is still optimism that they could come together on a deal later in the offseason. The Yankees' offer is the only formal offer Snell has received so far, although other teams have shown interest.
Adding Snell to the Yankees' rotation would be a valuable move. While the recent signing of Marcus Stroman improves the rotation, the team still lacks a top-tier starting pitcher to pair with Gerrit Cole. Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, has been consistent and reliable over the past three seasons. If the Yankees and Snell can't reach an agreement, there are other teams, such as the Giants, Angels, and Blue Jays, who could be potential suitors for Snell's services this winter.
Updates on Anthony Rizzo and Giancarlo Stanton's Health
New York Yankees' first baseman Anthony Rizzo has been cleared for full baseball activities. Although he dealt with post-concussion syndrome last year, doctors are not concerned about a recurrence in 2024. Rizzo's early-season performance in 2023 was impressive, but he struggled after his collision with Fernando Tatis Jr. If Rizzo can replicate his early success, he will be a crucial part of the Yankees' lineup in their quest for the playoffs this year.
The Yankees' slugger Giancarlo Stanton is in a good place health-wise. After a challenging 2023 season, where he battled injuries and had a low batting average, Stanton has focused on his diet and conditioning during the offseason. The team anticipates a healthy return to action in 2024. Manager Aaron Boone mentioned that Stanton will occasionally start in the outfield, despite the additions of other outfielders. This shows confidence in Stanton's abilities and his dedication to staying fit.
Aaron Judge's Transition to Center Field
Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees' hulking slugger, will be the team's regular center fielder in the upcoming season. Despite his injury history, Manager Aaron Boone is confident in Judge's ability to handle the everyday job. However, Boone intends to rest Judge at designated hitter or in left field once or twice a week, with Trent Grisham taking over center field duties. This strategy aims to keep Judge healthy and minimize the risk of further injuries. With the addition of other outfielders like Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, the Yankees have more options to rotate and manage the outfield lineup.
Maintaining Judge's health is a priority for the Yankees, as he has been a major contributor when on the field. In the past two seasons, Judge has showcased his exceptional offensive skills. By sacrificing starts for other regular outfielders, the team hopes to maximize Judge's impact and keep him in top form.
