Sometimes every road leads to the same destination. In old fables, one theme was always common – No matter how much one tried to avoid the inevitable, it eventually happened. While one could argue its truth, one can’t argue with the New York Yankees’ current predicament. The more they’ve tried to steer away from Blake Snell, the more they’ve found themselves near him. 

Initially, their interest was clear, but Snell didn’t reciprocate. It seemed that the Snell-Yankee story was over. However, then Gerrit Cole got injured, and all hell broke loose in the Yankees camp. While even now many reports have indicated that the Pinstripes aren’t interested in Snell, chatters remain abound that they may have no choice.

The Blake Snell and New York Yankees connection continues to find takers

Apart from Snell, another name still in the market is Jordan Montgomery. Famous insider Jon Morosi believes that as long as Snell and Montgomery are in the market, one cannot discount Yankees from their sweepstakes. “We still have to acknowledge this possibility is out there that the Yankees will sign one of the two. Simply because it is right now quite vague when exactly Cole is going to come back,” Morosi said.

“As long as Snell and Montgomery are out there. And as long as Cole’s situation is unsettled. There is still the possibility that one of the two of them land with the Yankees,” Morosi speculated. Cole’s absence could prove to be the deciding factor regarding this deal. 

While the hitting lineup of the Yankees is quite strong, the pitching is highly dependent on Cole. In the absence of this Cy Young winner, the pitching staff leaves a lot to be desired. For a team that is looking to impress Juan Soto to re-sign, a setback like this could prove to be game-changing. As a result, a desperate move for Snell or Montgomery wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities. 

While the Yankees will have to pay 110% taxation on any salary this season, perhaps need to overpower limits here. Especially since Cole’s current situation is quite confusing.

Gerrit Cole has a tough decision to make

NJ Media reported that Gerrit Cole’s MRI was “clean” and that sent a little relief in the Yankees camp. However, he did have signs of stress in his UCL. So even in the most positive of scenarios, Cole will take at least ten weeks of rehab. That eliminates him till May, but that’s the best-case scenario. 

However, one cannot rule out surgery right now. A stressed UCL could lead to further complications (Jacob deGrom is an example of it). Perhaps that’s why the Yankees and Cole are still seeking more medical advice. The highly competitive Cole has a tough decision to make. And the Yankees’ Snell decision hinges on Cole’s next step. With Opening Day so close, one wonders just what the plan is.

Read more: Gerrit Cole Consults Dr. ElAttrache: Meet the Decorated Surgeon to Sports Royalty Like Ohtani, Kobe, Brady