5 possible destinations for Blake Snell if he opts out of Giants contract at the end of the season
Blake Snell might opt out of his two-year $62 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, as reported by their president of baseball operation, Farhan Zaidi.
After a slow and injury-affected start to the season, Snell has earned just six runs in his last eight starts. He's likely to attract some attention from teams willing to contend in 2025.
Five possible Blake Snell destinations
#5 Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox were initially interested in getting Blake Snell during the trade deadline but instead went ahead with signing James Paxton from the Dodgers.
However, disaster struck, as three starts into his tenure in Boston, Paxton is out injured and has very low chances of returning this season. That has opened the gates for Alex Cora's team to reconsider adding two-time Cy-Young winner Snell in the offseason.
#4 San Diego Padres
Another team linked with Snell during the offseason, the Padres considered a reunion with their ace for the longest time last month.
For now they have settled with Dylan Cease and Michael King, but as the offseason approaches, their will be questions about the longevity of Yu Darvish, who has been ruled out of the 2024 season. Adding Snell back to the ace position would form a formidable rotation for the Padres.
#3 New York Yankees
The Yankees have been linked to all big-money starting pitchers over the last two seasons. Even after a strong start by their rotation, they have fallen prey to fatigue and inconsistency.
Their have been questions about whether the Yankees would opt out of Gerrit Cole's contract in the offseason with four years left. If so, it would leave room for adding Blake Snell, who would join Carlos Rodon and Marcus Stroman at the top of the rotation.
#2 Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles aren't sure whether their ace, Corbin Burnes, will return to the team in 2025. He's expected to head into free agency.
Starters Kyle Bradish and John Means have suffered long-term injuries, while No. 2 Grayson Rodriguez is on a 15-day IL. With these questions lingering, the Orioles might pull of a surprise by signing Snell.
#1 Houston Astros
The Astros seem liked a perfect fit for Snell. With two of their primary starters, Justin Verlander and Cristian Javier battling injuries this season, there's a certain amount of uncertainity over their starting rotation for 2025.
However, as they are over their luxury tax limit, Houston will have to shed some weight from other areas.