The One That Got Away: Yankees Pursuit of Juan Soto Cost Them a Shot at Signing Blake Snell

Blake Snell and Juan Soto were teammates on the 2022 San Diego Padres team that upset the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series, and after spending this past season on separate clubs, went into free agency as two of the top players available.

Soto undeniably was the headliner of free agency, and his list of suitors included those who had interest in Snell as well. Specifically, the Dodgers and New York Yankees.

Snell wound up signing with the Dodgers on a five-year, $182 million contract in what’s currently the richest deal for a starting pitcher so far this offseason.

According to Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, general manager Brian Cashman said the Yankees could not advance in their interest for Snell or make him a contract offer because they were waiting on Soto’s decision.

Reports of Snell’s agreement with the Dodgers surfaced on Nov. 26 and his deal was made official by the team four days later. Snell then had an introductory press conference with the Dodgers on Dec. 3.

It was that afternoon that agent Scott Boras, who represents Snell and Soto, among others, said the All-Star outfielder was in the process of eliminating teams from consideration.

Soto’s decision to sign with the New York Mets then did not come until Dec. 8. That’s left the Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays in a bit of a scramble as they look to pivot.

The Red Sox and Yankees are now perceived threats to sign Teoscar Hernández away from the Dodgers.

Details of Blake Snell’s Dodgers contract

The Dodgers signing Snell was a big step toward fortifying a starting rotation that has plenty of talent and upside, along with potential depth, but question marks because multiple pitchers are looking to return from injury.

Snell’s contract with the Dodgers included a signing bonus, $66 million in deferred salary and a conditional team option for 2030 in the event he spends a considerable amount of time on the injured list with a specific ailment that is believed to be left-elbow related.