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Blake Snell’s market may finally be starting to heat up.
Snell has had one known offer, a six-year, $150 million deal from the Yankees in mid-January. He turned that down, hoping to either receive a longer deal, a higher salary per year or both. Instead, Snell remains a free agent even though the regular season will begin later this month.
Another team may be interested in his services. Bob Nightengale from USA Today reported that the Phillies are considering Snell, although it would be on a shorter deal.
While the Phillies had been mentioned as a possible landing spot for Snell previously, that was contingent on whether or not an extension could be reached with Zack Wheeler. Wheeler remains the Phillies’ priority, but the two may no longer be exclusive.
Snell had a dominant showing in 2023. The defending NL Cy Young winner posted a 2.25 ERA and a 1.189 WHIP over his 180 innings, striking out 234 batters with 99 walks.
The question teams have had is whether or not they can trust Snell to replicate his performance. He has won two Cy Young awards over his eight years in the majors, but those are also the only two seasons where he has pitched more than 130 innings.
A one-year deal, or a contract structured similarly to Cody Bellinger’s with opt-out clauses each year, could be Snell’s best option at this point.
Snell would be betting on himself, but a second consecutive strong showing would set him up for that long-term deal he had been hoping for.
Such a deal would benefit the Phillies as well. A trio of Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Snell atop the rotation would be formidable.
As the Phillies are eyeing another deep run through the postseason, adding Snell would be a step in that direction.
The question is whether or not Snell will take that short-term deal, realizing that his hoped-for contract may not be forthcoming.
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