Sep 19, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Blake Snell (4) throws a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Colorado Rockies at San Diego Padres
TAMPA, FL — The Yankees have already set a new franchise record for payroll, but that won’t stop Hal Steinbrenner from trying to improve his roster.
The Bombers’ owner spoke with reporters at George M. Steinbrenner Field on Thursday, and said despite the team’s payroll, he’s willing to making any move brought to his attention by general manager Brian Cashman.
“We have a championship-caliber team right now,” Steinbrenner explained. “And haven’t stopped looking to improve, and we never will.
“I’m just going to tell you that we continue to look at a lot of different options. Given where we are payroll-wise, any addition to the club is going to be a costly one, but I’m still willing to consider anything that comes my way. We are not done trying to improve this team.”
New York has been heavily linked to free-agent pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, but any addition they make takes a catastrophic hit on the club’s luxury tax payroll.
The Yankees’ projected luxury-tax payroll stands at around $306.7 million, per Cot’s Contracts. Any dollar the Yankees spend beyond the $297 million threshold will come with a 110 percent tax.
That means, if the Yankees signed Snell to a contract worth $30 million in 2023, the move would cost Steinbrenner $63 million in 2024.
“There’s still things we’re looking at, whether it’s trades or signings,” Steinbrenner said. “I’m not saying anything is going to happen, I’m not saying something’s not going to happen. But I’m still willing to improve this team however we can.
“Given where we are payroll-wise, any addition to the club is going to be a costly one. I’m still willing to consider anything that Cash and his team bring my way. I’ll leave it at that. ”
Coming off a disappointing 82-80 season, the Yankees are desperate for improvement. And are willing to go any lengths to make it happen.
