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The Houston Astros are reportedly in serious pursuit of left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, according to The Athletic‘s Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome.
Per MLB Network’s Mark Feisand, the Astros were one of the teams in attendance when Snell threw four simulated innings in Seattle on Friday.
The 31-year-old free agent posted a 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 182 ERA+ and 234 strikeouts in 180 innings last season with the San Diego Padres.
He was awarded the 2023 NL Cy Young Award after receiving 28 out of 30 first-place votes. It was his second time receiving the honour after winning the AL award in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays.
Rosenthal and Rome report that Snell is believed to be seeking a three-year deal that includes opt-outs, with an annual salary falling in the range of $30 million to $32 million.
The Astros currently have three starting pitchers slated to open the 2024 season on the injured list. Justin Verlander, dealing with shoulder inflammation, isn’t anticipated to be ready by opening day. Meanwhile, Luis Garcia (Tommy John surgery) and Lance McCullers Jr. (flexor surgery) aren’t expected to return until mid-season.
Adding to their depth concerns, José Urquidy exited his spring training start on Friday due to elbow discomfort.
“As I’ve said multiple times, we always have our foot on the gas when it comes to winning and acquiring pitching,” Astros general manager Dana Brown told The Athletic on Thursday. “As long as Snell is on the market, we check in to ask what is the latest. Nothing new as of now.”
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