The impressive offseason for the New York Yankees might not be over yet. After landing Juan Soto, Marcus Stroman, and others, the Yankees reportedly still have interest in signing reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
Landing Snell could be a positive move for the team, but it would hurt Clarke Schmidt as Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Nestor Cortes, and Stroman would have set spots in the rotation.
Schmidt has shown signs in his young career, but has been a full-time starter for just one season. He threw 159 innings in 2023 and had never thrown more than 57 2/3 heading into last year.
As a fifth starter, he's more than serviceable.
If New York doesn't sign Snell, they'd be confident with him going out there every fifth day. However, the reigning NL Cy Young winner is one of the top pitchers in baseball and would make this rotation arguably the best in the league when healthy.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Schmidt understands these rumors are part of professional sports.
"It's just part of the business, but I'm just going to continue to go about my stuff every day and whatever happens, happens. I'm sure he'll be signing somewhere soon."
As Schmidt enters the season, there isn't much for him to do other than be himself. If the Yankees land Snell, it's not because they don't want Schmidt, it's because Snell's a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
He also says that he understands why fans want to sign star pitcher.
With the season approaching, it should be any moment now if a deal does happen.
Snell has to start getting on the mound against hitters if he anticipates being ready at the start of the regular season.
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