The free agency of the Major League Baseball continues to roll. The crop of free agents is thinning out, but that does not mean there are no more stars out there.
Top of the list is Blake Snell, who last played for the San Diego Padres before making himself available in the market in November.
Blake Snell's contract is expected to balloon this 2024. However, finding a taker is taking some time.
The 31-year-old's camp is adamant that they are getting what he is supposed to get.
"Cy Young winner Blake Snell continues to seek a contract that will pay him at least $240 million, and now awaits to see what team blinks first," per USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
He added that the New York Yankees were denied after they made an introductory offer that was less than $100 million compared to the player's asking price. The rejection forced them to sign Marcus Stroman on a two-year, $37 million deal.
Does Snell have the right to demand such a contract?
The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto for $325 million for 12 years, even if he has yet to throw in the MLB. Learn more about MLB Odds on FanDuel MLB odds.
Snell's asking price should not be viewed as gargantuan compared to what the Dodgers already gave to the Japanese player.
The 2018 All-Star has already proven himself playing in a contending team.
Aside from an All-Star Game appearance, he won the Cy Young Award twice (2018 and 2023) and became the league's wins leader in 2018.
He got even better, making it to the All-MLB First Team of 2023.
Last season, he led the Majors in ERA with 2.25 and a 180 opponents' batting average. He had 234 strikeouts in 180 innings. Not only that, he was also last season's leader in walks with 99 and became the first player in his position to have 100-plus walks in one single season.
Several teams inquired about Snell last December, many of them contenders. However, they find it hard to finalize an agreement as the player would not budge.
Which teams need Snell?
The Yankees are out. The San Francisco Giants decided to go a different direction as they reportedly decided to make Jordan Hicks a starter while recruiting Robbie Ray will be a backup.
1. Los Angeles Angels
The Halos lost Shohei Ohtani to free agency, and Snell, who hails from Seattle, might be the best replacement they can have.
They have the money to spend. However, what's in the way is the fact that they are not yet ready to contend.
One of the reasons why Ohtani left the Angels is to make the playoffs for the first time. Based on the lack of major movement by the franchise in the last two months, becoming a contender remains a dream.
2. Chicago Cubs
The Cubs could use someone like Snell even if they already have a No. 1 pitcher. The two-time Cy Young Award winner is an upgrade for Justin Steele. They will need Snell even more after losing Stroman.
They have yet to spend big, and experts project them to make a shocking signing anytime soon. The fact that they were in the race to sign Ohtani makes such speculation more probable.
3. Seattle Mariners
Playing for your hometown? Snell once said that playing for the Seattle Mariners is in the cards.
The club already freed up some space in the payroll by trading away Ray and Mitch Haniger. The interest from Snell is there. The ball is in the Mariner's court.
Related article: Juan Soto Contract Details: Childish Bambinos' Agreement With Yankees Beat Shohei Ohtani's Arbitration Deal
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