With Opening Day rapidly approaching, Cy Young winning pitcher Blake Snell remains unsigned.
With Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman recently signing their deals, Snell and fellow stud pitcher Jordan Montgomery are left as the two big fish still up for grabs.
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
Both Bellinger and Chapman signed three-year deals with two opt-out clauses, allowing both to re-enter the market as early as next year.
It’s no secret that the contract offers weren’t as sizable as what the top free agents were hoping for this offseason.
Many contending clubs didn’t even bother picking up the phone, let alone making actual offers for Bellinger, Chapman, Snell and Montgomery.
Blake Snell when Scott Boras tells him to take a 1-year deal after winning the NL Cy Young. pic.twitter.com/W4MsUEb2lY
— Baseball’s Greatest Moments (@BBGreatMoments) March 4, 2024
With time running out, there’s a feeling that Snell may soon settle for a similar short-term deal with opt-outs built in.
The New York Yankees have had the most dialogue with Snell’s agent, Scott Boras. The Bombers have to be looked upon as strong contenders to land him.
However, a new club has emerged as legitimate contenders in the race.
According to multiple reports, the Philadelphia Phillies are interested in signing Snell…
Per @BNightengale, the Phillies still have interest in Blake Snell on a short term deal even after the Wheeler extension. pic.twitter.com/tTPJTtOohn
— myles (@PhilsMakeMeSad) March 4, 2024
The Phillies made news earlier today by signing ace pitcher Zack Wheeler to a three-year, $126 million extension.
The massive commitment to Wheeler isn’t expected to prevent Philly from trying to snag Snell as well.
1. Wheeler
2. Snell
3. Nola
4. SuarezThat’s the kind of top four in a rotation that takes the NL East , and matches up with any lineup (including the Dodgers) in Oct.
Put the final touches on a World Series team.
Sign Blake Snell. https://t.co/H4JzTx2TZy
— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) March 4, 2024
While there is no salary cap in baseball, the Phillies are staring at significant CBT penalties.
Prior to the Wheeler extension, the Phillies payroll stood at approximately $260 million. Any deal with Snell is projected to cost around $30 million per year, pushing Philadelphia close to the $300 million mark.
According to CBT regulations, exceeding the $277 million threshold would incur substantial penalties for the Phillies, including a 10-spot reduction in their 2025 first-round draft pick and increased tax rates.
If the #Phillies want to look like they’re actually serious about winning another World Series title, you make the Blake Snell signing yesterday. This isn’t a debate. If they’re replacing dollar dog night to five dollar dog night, surely they can spend that money on another SP. pic.twitter.com/4AsMnlJUPV
— The Negadelphian (@TheNegadelphian) March 3, 2024
The Phillies have said all the right things as an organization. They have made it clear that they are going all-out to win the World Series.
That’s music to the ears of Philly fans, especially coming off of such a disastrous Eagles season.
Need this to happen like today.
— Kaz (@thekrazymaN_) March 3, 2024
If the Phillies are able to land Snell, he would join a rotation that includes Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez.
Combined that rotation with the Phillies explosive lineup and you’d have one of the best teams in all of baseball.
Come on Phillies, go get Blake snell pic.twitter.com/w7NgiJDvJk
— WWGD (@WWGD_Philly) March 4, 2024
Where do you think Snell will end up?
Is he a top-three pitcher in the game?
What type of contract is he deserving of?
If the Phillies do land him, where would you rank them among the top clubs in baseball???