The Houston Astros, aiming for another championship run in 2024, are actively seeking to strengthen their pitching rotation after losing key pitchers to injuries.
General Manager Dana Brown has expressed interest in acquiring Blake Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young winner.
Reports indicate that the Astros are seriously pursuing Snell, despite his control issues, because of his potential to boost their rotation.
With their core players aging and cracks starting to appear, the Astros recognize the urgency to maximize their chances of winning another World Series.
Snell’s signing could have a similar impact to that of Justin Verlander in 2017. Snell is willing to sign a short-term contract with opt-outs, making it a reasonable deal for the Astros.
A potential starting point for Snell could be a three-year, $90 million deal with two opt-outs.
The Astros are engaged in a “serious pursuit” of Blake Snell, per @Ken_Rosenthal pic.twitter.com/rCGZW2lE9p
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 15, 2024
Snell isn’t concerned about Trevor Bauer’s off-the-field problems and wants a contract similar to Bauer’s.
Surprisingly, Snell and other pitchers remain unsigned, indicating a lack of seriousness from teams.
Adding Snell would provide additional depth to the Astros’ rotation and they could continue with a six-man rotation to manage workload.
The Astros have already signed Josh Hader, forfeiting draft picks, showing their willingness to acquire impact players. Overall, it is clear that the Astros could benefit from adding Snell to their rotation.
The Astros currently hold the franchise record thanks to the recent signing of Josh Hader, and Snell’s addition will require a player with a higher ceiling than they previously had.
Other teams, such as the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels, have also been linked to Snell, but the Yankees would have to pay higher taxes on top of his salary.
Snell could be a great addition to the Astros lineup, filling a need and positioning them for the future.
Still, the addition of Snell would be a huge plus for an Astros team in desperate need of help.
Called it a month agohttps://t.co/WYzxiHpR71
— ThreeAndTwo Baseball (@3and2_baseball) March 15, 2024
Snell won the NL Cy Young Award in 2023 after an impressive season with the San Diego Padres. Still, the Astros, who are in need of depth due to injuries in the rotation, thought Snell would be a good option.
One obstacle to signing Snell is that the Astros would have to give up a draft pick to add him to the lineup.
With a weak free agent market for starting pitchers, the Astros could have an advantage if they have a chance to secure Snell’s services.
Other teams, including the San Francisco Giants, have also expressed interest in Snell, but the Astros seem to be the frontrunner.
Since Schiess is currently playing in the American League, there is a possibility that Snell will return to the AL.
Fans reacted as follows.
I heard he was on a plane to Houston
— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) March 15, 2024
Scott Boras about to have his way with the Astros. Their window is closing and they’re desperate..
— Jake Cobb (@realjakecobb) March 15, 2024
Do it. I want the Astros to have the best roster imaginable so that when the Rangers spank that 🫏 it will be even sweeter
— Ethan Crooks (@TheCrooksE) March 15, 2024
If the rumors are true and Cole goes down and all Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner do is watch Cease go to San Diego for their prospects, and Snell go to Houston they should sell the team and #Yankees fans should absolutely revolt at this point. Gross mismanagement.
— Peter M. Ceccarelli (@NYPeteyBlue) March 15, 2024
Fixing pitching problems that aren’t there
First Hader, now Snell
— David Spendlen (@TeaNdCrumpets78) March 15, 2024
Oh hell na man. He’s supposed to be a giant
— Manny (@Nin3rswarri3rs) March 15, 2024
Imagine hader and Snell on the same team (yes it’s a joke)
— Rio Ruiz Stan Account (@AlanCB24) March 15, 2024
