The baseball season is just 11 days away (not counting the upcoming Seoul Series) and MLB teams are scrambling to finalize their Opening Day rosters. While most of the big names have already secured contract for the 2024 season, there are still some talented players looking for a home.
Blake Snell may be the most accomplished free agent remaining after a flurry of activity over the previous few months. While teams have overpaid in previous seasons for last minute acquisitions, this year seems to be a little different. Despite his impressive resume, Snell and his agent are finding it difficult to secure a suitable contract.
According to MLB columnist Bob Nightengale, the Houston Astros are the latest team to pass on the lefty pitcher. With Justin Verlander starting the season on the injured list, Houston is in the market for a veteran arm. Blake’s asking price, however, seems to be an obstacle in the negotiations.
“They have balked at Snell’s asking price of at least a two-year guarantee for $60 million, including an opt-out after the 2024 season. The Astros’ biggest concern is that they will be over another luxury tax threshold if they pay Snell close to $30 million annually,” stated Nightengale, per USA Today.
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 Astros will start the season with World Series champions Framber Valdez, Christian Javier and Jose Urquidy in the starting rotation. With the return of three-time Cy Young winner Verlander, the club will possess one of the best rotations in the AL.
The New York Yankees were rumoured to be interested in Snell last month but no deal was finalized.
Snell is a two-time Cy Young winner and a former All-Star. Last season, he finished the year with a 14-9 record and a 2.25 ERA with the San Diego Padres. The 31-year-old also had an impressive 234 strikeouts in just 180 inning pitched.
