If the Yankees fail to secure Juan Soto in free agency, they could pivot to several reciprocating movements. Signing multiple players appears to be the most likely solution, potentially focusing on a starting pitcher who was on their radar last winter before ultimately signing Marcus Stroman.

Revisiting the Yankees’ interest in Blake Snell

General manager Brian Cashman had been considering Blake Snell for weeks, but balked at his highest ask. Snell ultimately signed a two-year, $62 million contract, but has now opted out of last season and is seeking a long-term deal after a breakout year. Snell pitched 104 innings with a 3.12 ERA, including a 2.54 xERA. He struck out 12.55 batters per nine, posted a left on base rate of 70.9% and a ground ball rate of 42%.

Snell remains one of the best left-handed starters, with a minimum of 100 innings pitched consistently during his career. However, injuries have at times limited his availability. When healthy, Snell ranks among the best pitchers in baseball and, according to SNYthe Yankees could be a good candidate to sign him.

Potential contract for Snell

Snell could land a contract worth around $30 million per season. Given his age of 31, he could land a four-to-five-year contract, likely with opt-out clauses. A five-year, $150 million contract with an opt-out option after the third year seems realistic for a pitcher who sought to maximize his market influence last year but fell short. Adding Snell would provide the Yankees with a formidable No. 2 starter behind Gerrit Cole, potentially alleviating age-related regression issues over the next few years.

Stacked Spin and Potential Moves

A rotation consisting of Cole, Snell, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman would give the Yankees considerable depth. However, the team could consider trading at least one starter, with Stroman — who is owed $17.5 million next season — a likely candidate. A possible trade deal involving Stroman and Gil could be explored, possibly targeting a team like the Cleveland Guardians in need of a starting pitcher. In return, the Yankees could be eyeing first baseman Josh Naylor.

The Guardians need a starting pitcher, and the Yankees could give them two solid options: a pre-arbitration player in Gil and a veteran with one year remaining on his contract in Stroman.

Off-season creative strategy

Of course, executing such a trade would be a challenge, but the Yankees should get creative this offseason. If they intend to extend Soto, they will have to cut costs and eliminate some salaries. Letting Gleyber Torres leave, which would free up $14.2 million, and rejecting Anthony Rizzo’s club option, saving $17 million in luxury tax salary, are steps in that direction.

Additionally, with Alex Verdugo likely leaving after making $8.7 million, the Yankees have substantial cash on hand. The key will be to strategically allocate these resources to meet priority positions. While last year’s rotation was largely solidified, the addition of Snell would provide an elite option and take pressure off Carlos Rodon, who struggled throughout the regular season and playoffs .