With the MLB season set to kick off in just six days with the Seoul Series featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres, the buzz around reigning National League Cy Young award winner Blake Snell’s free agency status continues to grow.
Despite the imminent start of the season, Snell remains unsigned, raising questions about his readiness to start on time. MLB insider Jon Heyman recently shared insights during a Bleacher Report livestream, suggesting that Snell’s potential landing spots have narrowed down to two teams: the San Francisco Giants and the Los Angeles Angels.
Heyman didn’t completely rule out surprises but highlighted the Giants and Angels as the most likely destinations. The Angels, in particular, have a glaring need for a top-tier pitcher in their starting rotation, lacking a clear ace-level talent among their current options.
The Giants and Angels continue to make the most sense for Blake Snell
(w/ @JonHeyman) pic.twitter.com/ZmY8M251vo
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) March 14, 2024
Their rotation, consisting of Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson, Reid Detmers, Griffin Canning, and Chase Silseth, lacks a standout performer, especially with Sandoval’s recent struggles. Snell’s addition would provide the missing piece to bolster their rotation.
Snell’s stellar performance in the 2023 season, boasting a league-best 2.25 ERA and 182 ERA+ along with a career-high 234 strikeouts in 180 innings, underscores his value as a top-tier pitcher. With a track record including one All-Star appearance and two Cy Young awards, Snell’s willingness to consider short-term, high annual average value deals adds another layer of intrigue to his free agency saga.
