As Major League Baseball’s Opening Day rapidly approaches, reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell finds himself in the unusual position of being without a team.
Despite being universally recognized as one of the best pitchers in baseball, Snell’s future remains uncertain.
He and his agent Scott Boras have clearly drawn a line in the sand when it comes to their contract demands – and to this point, no club has been overly interested in approaching it.
What will Blake Snell do today? pic.twitter.com/qKAm3Yi0J0
— Dean Ciriaco (@skippsviewdean) March 18, 2024
Among the teams that have shown legitimate interest are the pitcher-hungry New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. Also in the mix are both Los Angeles teams.
The Yankees have an offer on the table for Blake Snell. Angels and Giants remain possibilities as well, per @Feinsand pic.twitter.com/OtNq9UtW1V
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) February 19, 2024
Now, there appears to be a new contender who has entered the race for Snell.
According to MLB Insider Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Houston Astros have engaged in discussions with Snell’s camp. However, they are reportedly hesitant to meet his contract demands…at this point.
Blake Snell has told the Astros he’s seeking at least a two-year, $66M deal with an opt-out after 2024, per @BNightengale
The Astros are intrigued, but are “the latest team to balk at his asking price” pic.twitter.com/Lh2hKGOyyn
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 17, 2024
“The Houston Astros…now appear to be long-shots to sign him… They have balked at Snell’s asking price of at least a two-year guarantee for $60 million… The Astros’ biggest concern is that they will be over another luxury tax threshold if they pay Snell close to $30 million annually,” Nightengale reported.
Already with Josh Hader, would a Blake Snell addition cement the #Astros as the AL favorites? pic.twitter.com/sYpDFQcfmb
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) March 18, 2024
Initially, Snell expressed willingness to entertain a short-term deal with the Astros but at a slightly higher price.
“Snell had informed the Houston Astros that he’s willing to sign a short-term deal…seeking at least a two-year guarantee for $66 million,” Nightengale pointed out.
Me waiting for the “Blake Snell to the Houston Astros” notification any minute now… pic.twitter.com/8ntlM0zdl6
— the doop⚜️🧡🤘🏼 (@DoopsterSports) March 16, 2024
Despite the interest from Houston, the San Francisco Giants remain the frontrunners in the race to acquire Snell. However, they too are cautious about committing to his salary demands.
Meanwhile, the New York Yankees, once linked to Snell, have reportedly shifted their focus to other pitching options, despite having a glaring need for pitching help following the concerning injury to ace Gerrit Cole.
Yankees fans when Blake Snell signs with the Astros pic.twitter.com/RcI2VufTLa
— Griff (@Spartian22) March 16, 2024
With Opening Day right around the corner, clearly something has to give. It seems like Snell is content with sticking to his demands (for now).
If a club, such as the Giants, Yankees or Astros wants to snatch him up, they are going to have to blink.
I’m confused. Blake Snell has two Cy Youngs. Why shouldn’t he be asking for a ton of money? What’s the point of all of this if you’re not trying to cash in? Don’t tell me winning. Please. He can play in arc softball tournaments if he just wants to win something.
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) March 18, 2024
Where do you think Snell will end up?
When it’s all said and done, what will his contract look like?
Will we actually enter the regular season without Snell being on a team???