Starting pitcher Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, entered MLB free agency in November, showcasing his impressive accolades. However, as of now, he has not secured a team for the 2024 season and beyond, and reports suggest that his high asking price in contract negotiations may be a contributing factor.
Initially, on November 6, MLB Trade Rumors anticipated a seven-year, $200 million contract for Snell. Yet, recent reports from Bill Maddon of the New York Daily News, dated January 13, reveal that Snell’s camp is currently seeking a nine-year deal worth $270 million.
Throughout the winter, the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees were linked to Snell at different times. The Giants, once considered favorites for Snell as of December 14, eventually opted for a more cost-effective option, signing Jordan Hicks to a four-year, $44 million deal on January 12. The Yankees, after their rumored five-year, $150 million offer to Snell was rejected, secured Marcus Stroman for two years and $37 million on January 11.
Following the Giants’ move for Hicks, baseball analyst Bob Nightengale stated that San Francisco is unlikely to pursue Snell, and with both the Giants and Yankees choosing more budget-friendly alternatives, Snell’s market of potential suitors appears to have diminished.
Despite this, Nightengale suggested on January 12 that there is still interest in Snell from multiple contending teams, even though the specific teams remain undisclosed. The Los Angeles Angels have been consistently connected to Snell, but the public competition for his services seems limited. Nonetheless, with Snell’s high asking price, there is confidence that a team may eventually meet his demands.
The starting rotation market remains competitive, with other notable pitchers like Shōta Imanaga and Jordan Montgomery still available. Montgomery, also represented by Scott Boras, is expected to re-sign with the Texas Rangers, where he won a World Series title in 2023.
While it may be challenging to find a team willing to commit to a nine-year, $270 million deal for Snell, the dynamics of free agency, especially under Boras’ representation, suggest that a deal could materialize even if negotiations extend into January or February. The evolving situation in the coming weeks will determine Snell’s future in the MLB.
