As spring training kicks into high gear across Arizona and Florida, the biggest story is the fact that multiple big-name players remain unsigned.
Everyone wants to know where Blake Snell, Matt Chapman and Jordan Montgomery will end up.
According to reports, we could be getting our answer on all three within days, or possibly hours…
It is truly ridiculous that Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell, and Matt Chapman are all still free agents. Scott Boras and his bullshit must be stopped!
— Courtney Finnicum (@courtney883) February 28, 2024
As far as Montgomery, Boston manager Alex Cora admitted to speaking to him recently about possibly joining the Red Sox. (Lord knows they need him, just for optics alone.)
The Red Sox had a zoom meeting with Jordan Montgomery recently. He’d represent an upgrade for their ‘24 rotation, and if signed to a long-term deal, could be part of the staff rotation. They certainly have the payroll flexibility to make it happen.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) February 26, 2024
As far as Snell, it’s not every day that you have a two-time Cy Young winner just sitting around waiting for the phone to ring.
Blake Snell and Scott Boras when Scott tells him to sign with the Angles for more money. pic.twitter.com/gRhmeLULMb
— Jake Kosack (@JakeKosack) February 28, 2024
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that the New York Yankees are still very much “in” on Snell. However, despite ongoing discussions, progress has been slow.
.@JonHeyman gives an update on where the Yankees stand in Blake Snell discussions 🗣 pic.twitter.com/H6cPC3m7vz
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 28, 2024
It goes without saying that if George Steinbrenner was still alive, Snell would be on the mound in Florida wearing pinstripes as you read this.
However, with son Hal in charge, the Bombers are watching their bank account much, much closer (as is every owner it seems).
When Craig Breslow and Scott Boras are about to strike a deal for Jordan Montgomery to sign with the Red Sox, but John Henry shows up pic.twitter.com/dq5trPkkPK
— Robbie Hyde (@gingersnaphyde) February 23, 2024
New Yankees slugger Juan Soto recently spoke out about how great it would be to bring Snell aboard and team him up with fellow Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole.
https://t.co/FmxuQKxGT7. Juan Soto gives full-throated endorsement for Yankees to sign his Padres teammate Blake Snell. “Great dude.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 27, 2024
Meanwhile, out on the west coast, the San Francisco Giants are also reported to be heavily in the mix for Snell as well.
With key pitchers dealing with injuries, the Giants would love nothing more than to bring in the veteran.
Snell would offer strong stability behind ace Logan Webb amidst all the questions they are currently dealing with.
"If I were to guess today, I'm gonna say Giants"@JonHeyman thinks the @SFGiants will end up with either Blake Snell or Matt Chapman
▶️ https://t.co/IhZRrxbsXe pic.twitter.com/4q65sCFysk
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) February 28, 2024
San Francisco’s ambitions don’t stop there, however. According to reports, they are also interested in signing third baseman Matt Chapman.
"I still do not see a better fit out there than the San Francisco Giants."
– @jonmorosi on free agent Matt Chapman pic.twitter.com/dLQlYHWBaz
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 27, 2024
As it stands right now, the Giants are certainly considered the favorites to sign Chapman.
Meanwhile, the Snell and Montgomery races can end a few different ways…
The Yankees could certainly snatch up one of them. Meanwhile, the crosstown rival Mets are said to be lurking in the weeds on both, especially Montgomery.
How do you think it all ends up?
Where will Snell, Montgomery and Chapman sign???