BREAKING: The Yankees can still win with Blake Snell.

TAMPA — The Yankees and the camp of top free agent pitcher Blake Snell are still talking about possible outcomes; they spoke again on Monday, but thus far there hasn’t been much movement beyond chitchat.

The Yankees’ motivation for continuing these conversations is clear. The Yankees would become the overwhelming favorites in the American League with Snell, who would provide the two-time Cy Young winner a boost.

Even if that sounds appealing, there is a glaring drawback. Snell’s relocation would cost more than twice his salary because any contract he made now would be subject to a 110 percent tax.
The Yankees’ persistent efforts to maintain communication show how determined club owner Hal Steinbrenner is to succeed. Sadly, it seemed that the call on Monday did not bring the parties any closer. (An individual connected to the Yankees described the likelihood of a deal as extremely low.)

But we have to presume that there’s a chance as long as they’re communicating.

Though they clearly dislike the tax implications, the Yankees like and can afford Snell. Furthermore, it’s unclear how many teams are still looking to spend $30 million on a player. The other elite starter still available on the free agent market, former Yankee Jordan Montgomery, is also liked by the Yankees, but rumors have it that Snell is preferred.
Nonetheless, it’s obvious that a breakthrough in this conversation is required.

The most recent to propose an alternative plan was Scott Boras, Snell’s agent. It called for a shorter contract with greater AAVs (salaries) and opt-outs, similar to what Cody Bellinger recently did with the Cubs. The Yankees don’t think that works for them, though, as opting out may mean giving up draft picks for a one-season star and the greater AAV would result in a bigger tax.

The Yankees made Snell their only known offer a few weeks ago; The Post was the first to reveal it. Although the Yankees were reportedly eager to extend the deal for a sixth year at about $28 million annually (or just over the $27 million they awarded Carlos Rodon), the offer was for five years. That was ineffective for Snell.

There is a lot of discussion about the prospect in the clubhouse while the parties are speaking. As soon as he arrived, superstar, team captain, and occasionally adviser Aaron Judge expressed optimism about the possibility of one more pickup. However, Judge did not say who he was referring to or whether he had any inside information. “I firmly believe that there may be an upcoming move. However, you never know. Then the Judge answered, “We’ll see.” Although Snell’s name remained unsaid, it is believed that a few of the loudest voices in the clubhouse supported him.

They all know this much: the rotation depth is the one unanswered mystery surrounding the AL East favorite, a brilliant squad that is otherwise cruising. This would be resolved with the addition of Snell.

Steinbrenner told The Post, “After seeing our starting rotation, I’m pretty comfortable with them.” “You know, we lost a few people in trades? Thus, depth raises certain questions. However, we have Gil, Luis. Will Warren is here. At some time, you will encounter him. Most likely both of them.

That is the challenge with pitching. It loses its health.

At some point, we will see every one of them—and more. After Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes’ initial spring excursions, evaluations range from mixed to largely good, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
During a live batting practice, No. 5 starter Clarke Schmidt looked great, averaging over 95 mph. Snell might lose his spot if they were to add him (provided everyone else is healthy). To his credit, he seems undisturbed despite hearing the talk. Schmidt stated, “I can’t worry about every rumor that’s out there because I’d be worried all day, especially here.”

Schmidt understands, though.

Schmidt remarked, “I know I’d want [stars] if I was a fan of a team because I’m a sports fan as well.”

Teams do as well, so assuming there is no market for a two-time Cy Young winner would be foolish. Simply put, its nature is still unclear.

Though they don’t seem to be in the mood to spend money, the Red Sox appear to be paying closer attention to Montgomery despite their evident need for pitching support.

The Angels have lots of space beneath tax levels and they also require assistance. However, it’s still unclear if they’ll make any purchases.
The Giants are in the NL West with the Dodgers, America’s best team, and could use some assistance. They want to win, but they’ve stated they don’t anticipate making any more significant additions.

Arguably the best free agent in baseball, the Phillies, were among several teams to make a $300 million offer for Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Thus, they have leftover loot together with others.

Regarding the Yankees, you can never write them off, even if they are not hopeful. Although Schmidt seems unconcerned about his location, he noted that rumors circulate, “particularly here.”

That is the matter at hand. The Yankees are a serious team that produces newsworthy events. Even if the likelihood of a Snell-Yankees trade doesn’t seem that high right now, you can never rule it out completely.