Blake Snell rumors circulated on Monday amid reports that the Yankees still had an offer to the lefty free agent on the table, but Keith says fans shouldn’t count on another big splash from the Bombers.
Sure, Keith wants the reigning National League Cy Young winner in the Bronx, but he doesn’t believe the Yanks would pay the necessary price to get him.
“I know he walks guys, I know right now he has a hefty price tag. But I also know he’s a Cy Young winner, he’s proven in the offseason, I know the stage won’t be too big for him,” Keith said. “He won’t be rattled by Yankee fans or Yankee Stadium. He’s pitched there before in the AL East.
“If you think you’re winning the World Series, you need to have sure-fire 1A-1B aces. Those first two games, you feel like you have a chance to win and they’re gonna lock it down. A lot of times, we watch those first two games in the postseason, and those games are won 4-3 or 3-1. You need a good 1-2 punch for pitching.”
The Yankees hope they have their 1B in Carlos Rodon, who slimmed down this winter and is drawing plenty of excitement from the Yankee brass in spring training. Keith would have liked a more sure thing and another rotation luxury, but he says it’s clear that New York won’t go that route.
“I just don’t think the Yankees are gonna pay him,” Keith said. “He needs to bring his asking price down a bit, but Scott Boras isn’t in the business in coming down on his asks…somebody will pay him. The Angels will pay him, the Giants will pay him. I just don’t think the Yankees will pay him what he’s looking for. He wants to make his money right now.”
