Report: Blake Snell interested in playing for 1 AL team

Aug 13, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Blake Snell (4) pitches in the second inning of the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Blake Snell is widely regarded as the top pitcher still available on the free agent market, but there is still a relative lack of clarity regarding where he might land. Snell himself may have some ideas of his own to surprise us with, too.

Snell has privately expressed interest in playing for the New York Yankees, according to Andy Martino of SNY. Relatedly, Jon Heyman of the New York Post adds that the Yankees also have some interest in Snell.

Snell and the Yankees make sense as a pairing. The Yankees still need pitching, particularly after failing to land Yoshinobu Yamamoto earlier in the offseason. As the best pitcher on the market, it would only make sense for them to take a look at Snell, particularly if they are still willing to spend big money on a pitcher.

There are many questions about Snell’s durability, but when healthy, he has shown himself to be one of the game’s best pitchers. He is coming off a Cy Young-winning season with the San Diego Padres that saw him post a 2.25 ERA in 32 starts.

If the Yankees do enter the race for Snell, they will face a lot of competition. However, if the player himself is already interested, they may have a leg up in the race.