Here’s how the Yankees could trade for Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell

The Yankees could make their starting rotation elite by trading for Blake Snell. New York would need to give up a ton of young talent to satisfy the Rays. 

Brian Cashman is a General Manager who understands the importance of building a top-end starting rotation. That’s why the Yankees should have an interest in making a big deal for Blake Snell. Of course, the Rays aren’t going to let their ace southpaw head to the Bronx without extracting a massive premium from their AL East rivals.

For the record, while the Rays are “open” to dealing Snell, it’s hardly a foregone conclusion that he’ll be moved before the start of the 2021 regular season. The pitcher wasn’t happy with how he was used by his manager Kevin Cash during the World Series, but he’s still a major piece of Tampa Bay’s roster. The Rays might be intrigued at the idea of moving him before his contract becomes an issue, but it’s going to take a gigantic return to form a deal that makes sense for Tampa.

The Yankees are one franchise that would view the three years left on the five-year, $50 million Snell originally signed with the Rays as a bargain. New Yorks’ front office would view Snell as a rare talent capable of becoming a co-ace alongside Gerrit Cole atop the team’s rotation. Bonafide aces like Snell don’t come available very often. That makes it a certainty that the Yankees front office will kick the tires on engaging the Rays in meaningful trade talks.

Do the Yankees have the assets to get a deal done?

The Rays will want young, high-end talent in any potential Snell deal. That doesn’t mean Tampa will be satisfied with a couple of premium prospects. They’ll want major league talent with multiple years of control in the deal too.

It’s hard to envision any deal coming together without the inclusion of Deivi Garcia. He’s just the sort of young, controllable arm that Tampa wants to build their rotation around. He lacks the upside to replace Snell as a No. 1 starter, but he can comfortably slot into the middle of the Rays’ rotation for several years.

The Rays would also be smart to ask for Clarke Schmidt in the deal. He’s the other young arm the Yankees have that projects to make a major league impact in 2021. It wasn’t that long ago when he was viewed as the superior prospect to Garcia. Including him would be painful from the Yankees’ perspective, but it’s the sort of sacrifice required to land an elite pitcher like Snell.

The big question is what else the Yankees would be willing to include. The organization has the talent to make a suitable trade partner for Tampa, but it’s going to be a painful transaction. The Rays will certainly ask for Clint Frazier to be included as the clincher.

That price might be deemed as too steep by the Yankees front office. They could counter by offering a readymade hitter like Miguel Andujar, or another premium prospect like shortstop Oswald Peraza. Neither player has nearly as much appeal as Frazier. The slugging outfielder projects as the tipping point of any Snell deal.

Would the Yankees include Frazier?

The answer is a very reluctant yes. Frazier has a lot of value as an above-average corner outfield starter, but his spot in the everyday lineup can be replaced via free agency.

In the end, dealing Garcia, Schmidt, and Frazier for Snell would represent a good trade for both teams. Time will tell if the fierce rivals can put their egos aside to arrange a win-win transaction.