SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Sorry Yankees, Blake Snell belongs here with the Giants.
The Bay Area team held a nice, casual news conference for him Wednesday in what remains the most idyllic spring training setting, and it seemed good for Snell.
The Yankees engaged in at least three winter alliances with the two-time Cy Young winner, and they seriously considered countering a proposal presented to them by Snell’s camp until Snell agreed to go to San Francisco for $62 million over two years (plus the usual opt-out). But it’s for the best, probably for Snell, who can exude Californian cool, and perhaps also for the Yankees.
Snell is a unique talent – one scout says Snell has the best qualities of any active starter (Jacob deGrom is currently sidelined) – but New York isn’t for everyone. And some former teammates predicted the Seattle native wouldn’t like the cacophony and criticism that comes with the Bronx speech.
Snell’s little presser was adorable, but for the Yankees, it made it clear that they are running out of opportunities to solve their gigantic problem.
Which brings us to the only realistic rotation option left on the market that could fill their desperate need for a great starter.
Blake Snell makes his Giants debut on Wednesday. P.A.
Yes, my old friend Jordan Montgomery. Although Montgomery is not Snell’s talent, he brings other advantages:
1. It is more resistant.
2. He is younger.
3. He’s even better in the playoffs.
4. It is cheaper (and therefore more tax efficient).
5. There are no draft picks attached.
6. He’s a tough New Yorker.
The latter is the biggest.
While Montgomery pitched even better in St. Louis and even better in Texas, where he helped seal the Rangers’ first-ever World Series title, he was very good in New York. And after he left, he had the stones to denounce the Yankees for not believing in him. From there, it’s a good thing.
No one predicted it could come to this.
The Yankees seemed to prefer Snell since their analysts have the same issues with Montgomery as when they traded him, namely that he doesn’t throw particularly hard and doesn’t miss enough bats. Furthermore, whether true or not, the rumor spread that Montgomery preferred to go elsewhere.
Either way, if Montgomery and the Yankees aren’t each other’s top picks, they might not have a choice now. Sources say they have reconnected. There is a gap, but at least they are talking.
Montgomery’s camp compares him to Aaron Nola, who received $172 million over seven years. And while there are valid arguments to be made — Montgomery is actually better since 2021, and was even better in the playoffs — the market liked Nola more. And Phillies owner John Middleton, who might be the best owner in baseball, wasn’t going to let Nola go.
Jordan Montgomery is still available in free agency. MLB photos via Getty Images
The Rangers always seemed like the most logical landing spot for Montgomery after he helped them win their first World Series. But while Rangers baseball people strongly defend Montgomery and he supposedly likes the idea of a return, Rangers ownership has held off on making a serious offer.
Free agency has generally been tough in a year where teams spent $1 billion less than last year. But give Snell this: In the end, he probably made the right choice. He’s in the right place for him.
Giants manager Bob Melvin, who was hired in part for his strong reputation as a player manager, has loved Snell since their two years together in San Diego (another place that’s probably better for Snell) and Melvin told the Post a day before Snell signed he I just hope he goes where he’s happy.
While a few players have stayed away from San Francisco because of the city’s reputation — their attempts to recruit big names in recent years are documented — Snell should be happier there. (Personally, I think these players are crazy for not liking San Francisco, which is great, and getting better. “San Francisco is like any other city, except it’s beautiful,” said eloquently by Giants left fielder Mike Yastrzemski.)
Blake Snell will serve as Officer Scott Boras at his introductory press conference Wednesday. P.A.
Snell said he doesn’t have a geographic preference, but he likes Melvin, which means a lot to him.
“I’m on the field every day,” he said. “It doesn’t matter what city I’m in.”
Snell noted that San Francisco is closer to his home in Seattle. I’d say that’s true, both in terms of miles and temperament. He will appreciate their writers much better. On average, they are much nicer and, in almost all cases, a little less curious too.
The Yankees didn’t care whether Snell had a personality fit. It was money that killed their attempts.
Newest Giants Blake Snell PA
Last game, in the two or three days before he was picked by the Giants, they were considering a counteroffer to what Snell’s camp was proposing, and although they found creative ways to (slightly) blunt the 110 percent tax that applies to the Giants. The Yankees as a team beyond the fourth-tier tax threshold, “Steve Cohen,” the teams ultimately never came close.
It’s for the best, for Snell certainly, and maybe even for the Yankees.
2024-03-20 23:55:15
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