Three potential landing spots for Blake Snell

Blake Snell is hoping for a different outcome in free agency this offseason.

Snell had won the 2023 National League Cy Young award, becoming the seventh pitcher to win the award in both leagues. He was believed to be looking for a contract worth at least $200M, turning down the Yankees six-year, $150M offer. Snell ultimately signed a two-year, $62M contract, including an opt-out, with the Giants days before Opening Day.

Although Snell initially struggled due to his late start, he put together an impressive season for the Giants. He posted a 3.12 ERA and a 1.048 WHiP in his 104 innings, striking out 145 batters with 44 walks. Snell even addressed concerns that he cannot pitch deep into a game as he fired a no-hitter on Aug. 2. 

He is in a better position heading into free agency this offseason and is not likely to languish on the open market.

Where will Blake Snell end up? Let’s take a look at three possible landing spots.

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants have the advantage of familiarity. President of baseball operations Buster Posey is hoping that will be a factor.

Posey made it clear that the Giants want Snell back, calling the lefty “a priority.” Snell would fit Posey’s vision for the franchise as the Giants look to recapture the success from the early 2010s. Maria Guardado from MLB.com reported that new general manager Zack Minasian wants the Giants to pitch well, play good defense and find ways to score runs. Bringing Snell back to pair with Logan Webb would be a step in that direction.

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees have been linked to Snell before, offering him the aforementioned six-year, $150M contract during the 2023-24 offseason. Snell and Gerrit Cole would give the Yankees a formidable duo atop the rotation as they look for their first championship since 2009.

There is one substantial obstacle with signing Snell. Juan Soto is a free agent and the Yankees want to bring him back. However, as the Mets are reportedly looking to make Soto the highest-paid player in MLB history, Snell may be on the back burner. If Soto does leave the Yankees, adding another top of the rotation arm could be the answer.

Boston Red Sox

The Boston Red Sox were a distant third in the AL East, marking only the second time they have finished better than last in the division this decade. 

The Red Sox’s rotation has been a part of those struggles. Boston starters ranked 16th in the majors in innings (839.1), lessening the impact of its 3.81 ERA (tied for seventh). Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck are a solid trio but have yet to establish themselves as a top of the rotation arm. 

Alex Speier of the Boston Globe reported that general manager Craig Breslow wants to “raise the ceiling” of the rotation. Adding Snell as the Red Sox ace would instantly accomplish that goal.