Those in the know have told us that the Yankees are still in talks with top free-agent starters including Dylan Cease and the reigning National League Cy Young winner, Blake Snell, as well as Rangers hero from October, Jordan Montgomery.

Many believe the Yankees will acquire a substantial addition to their rotation before the season begins, despite their ongoing differences in negotiations with Snell, Montgomery, and trade options. The idea of a significant addition to a rotation that has lost a couple players to free agency and trade has reportedly the support of managing partner Hal Steinbrenner.

Although the Yankees have a soft spot for Montgomery, they currently appear to be rooting for Snell. Snell, when paired with ace Gerrit Cole, would form the first tandem of two reigning Cy Young winners since the Royals’ Bret Saberhagen and Mark Davis in 1990.

It has been speculated that Montgomery, having contributed to the Rangers’ first World Series victory, may choose to return to Texas. Additionally, there is increasing evidence that the local TV problem that has hindered their winter season is nearing a resolution. Snell may have an interest in the West Coast (Seattle), but contrary to what some may have thought, he does not have a strong affinity for a certain region.

While the Orioles, Reds, Mets, and likely a slew of other clubs are vying for White Sox ace Cease, the Yankees have maintained communication with the White Sox over Cease. Some Yankees fans appear confused about whether Cease, who won’t be a free agency until after 2025, will be traded this winter due to the present significant gap in discussions, which is also true for the free agents. Baltimore boasts the greatest roster of outstanding baseball prospects, therefore it may be difficult to outbid them in the end.

A number of Marlins starters, including Jesus Luzardo, Edward Cabrera, Braxton Garrett, and Trevor Rogers, are the subjects of Marlins’ interest, and the Yankees have had conversations with them. But there has also been no sign of genuine progress in that area thus far.

Given the lack of progress in trade talks, the free-agent market might be the last resort. Snell joined the free-agent market at the age of 30, making him the youngest pitcher to win the Cy Young Award twice (Pedro Martinez and Saberhagen were all 32 years old). Fans of the Yankees like him, but they worry that he won’t be consistent enough to justify the asking price.

Although his market seems solid, Montgomery is anticipated to sign for a slightly lower amount than Carlos Rodon’s $162 million, which is considered a compensation. The Red Sox, Phillies, Giants, Angels, and Mets are among the teams that have linked to Montgomery, in addition to Texas. At least the Giants and Angels are interested in signing Snell, and the Phillies, who are looking to add a starter despite having star pitcher Aaron Nola return, are also considered potential suitors.