Hal Steinbrenner is open to Yankees additions while Blake Snell looms on the horizon

MLB

by Greg Joyce

TAMPA — The Yankees have already reached a record payroll and above the highest luxury tax threshold, but Hal Steinbrenner said he hasn't closed his checkbook yet.

Steinbrenner said Thursday that the Yankees “have a championship-caliber team right now,” but added that they “haven't stopped looking to get better and we never will.”

While he declined to address free agents like Blake Snell, the Yankees' managing general partner said the team can never have enough pitching.

“I'll just tell you that we continue to look at a lot of different options,” Steinbrenner said. “Considering salaries, any addition to the club would be expensive, but I am still willing to consider anything that comes my way, anything.” [GM Brian Cashman] And his team brings it my way. I'll leave it at that.

“But we're not done trying to improve this team.”

As currently constructed, the Yankees' projected luxury tax payroll is approximately $306.7 million, per Nativity Contracts.

Any dollar the Yankees spend above the $297 million luxury tax cap will come with a 110 percent tax, making additional moves more expensive.

“I'm willing to look at anything criticism sends my way,” Steinbrenner said. “Obviously we talk every day a lot. There are still things we're looking at, whether it's trades or signings. I'm not saying something will happen, I'm not saying something won't happen. But I'm still willing to improve this team in any way I can.” “

Steinbrenner said nothing happened that he could classify as “close.”

As for getting an additional offer via trade, Steinbrenner said he wasn't willing to give up Will Warren or Chase Hampton — citing the pitching depth the Yankees already sacrificed to land Juan Soto in December — and later mentioned Spencer Jones as someone he would be. Hesitant to give up the deal.

“The depth is a little concerning to me, but the rotation as it stands is pretty good,” Steinbrenner said.