The Bronx Bombers have been staying strangely quiet this offseason. While other big-league teams like the LA Dodgers keep splashing their cash in the free agency market, the Yankees remain uncharacteristically passive. This deliberate inaction has got market insiders and fans whispering about a potentially blockbuster deal in the works: why should the Pinstripes plan on aiming for Cy Young winner Blake Snell?

It might be that the silence is strategic—biding time while watching out for the perfect moment to pounce on a top-tier talent such as Snell. Considering how deep Hal Steinbrenner’s pockets go and the recent lack of any major signings for a long-term tenure, the wait might indicate a brewing mega deal. Infamous for making unpredictable moves, what might be the cause of the team being so sluggish with their persuasion for the ace?

What is holding the Yankees back from making a final pounce on Blake Snell?

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, the Pinstripes are eyeing two starting pitchers at this moment: Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell, with Snell topping their list of favorites. As it is with most elite players in the sport, both pitchers have options besides the Yankees, making the team hesitant.

There’s a sliver of a chance that Monty might prefer to return to the Texas Rangers, while Snell could either choose the LA Angels or the SF Giants. The reason for the Pinstripes’ low confidence might stem from their unsuccessful Yoshinobu Yamamoto pursuit, which they were certain to clinch by the end of 2023. 

In a baffling $325 million turn of events, Yoshi chose to side with the Dodgers, marking the checkpoint of the Yankees’ fear of rejection once again. That still should not be enough for them to stay away from Snell because of the plethora of additions he will make to the lineup upon his probable entry, other than the fact that his price tag varies between the range of $122 million and $200 million (per MLB.com), a huge dive from Yoshi’s deal. The team should seriously consider whether they should give Snell the opportunity to secure a lock-in.

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Why should the team give their chance of locking down Snell some serious contemplation?

Regardless of their reservations surrounding any possible deal, it is an undeniable fact that the team desperately needs pitching, specifically left-handed. Blake Snell is arguably the best lefty starting pitcher available in the league right now. Should he join the NY team, his performance with Gerrit Cole would pave the way for forming a dominant duo. Snell might have had inconsistent seasons in the past, but his talent remains undeniable.

The team already has Juan Soto and Aaron Judge helming their offense. Lining Snell up in the defense may not be as impactful as the Dodgers’ fairytale winter moves, but it would certainly make the Pinstripes the AL favorites, besides making them the only team to harbor two defending Cy Young winners.

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Yes, there’s still the chance of Snell rejecting them and the team taking another hit at their confidence. But considering the state of their current pitching rotation, maybe it’s time for them to stop playing it safe and chase greatness.