During Game 3 of the 1932 World Series between the Yankees and the Cubs, Babe Ruth strolled to the plate and "called his shot" before hitting a huge homer to center field. Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley may have done an off-the-field version of that recently at the MLB Awards.
Riley was asked the question "Put your GM cap on for just a second, who do you have your eye on?" Riley paused and thought about it for a moment before he came out with "I've heard of Chris Snell I've heard of Snell...or Blake Snell, sorry." Riley later mentioned that the clubhouse is "big on camaraderie" and he will accept anyone that is "For the Boys."
So let's take a look at the aforementioned Blake Snell. Snell will be entering his age-31 season in 2024 and he is coming off of the second-best season of his career, statistically speaking. Snell finished 2023 with a 14-9 record and a 2.25 ERA. He had 234 strikeouts and 99 walks and opposing hitters had a batting average of just .181 against him.
Would he be a great sign for the Braves? Definitely. The only issue with that is, will the Braves spend the money to try to land him? Snell is an Unrestricted Free Agent and can go anywhere in the MLB. Pitchers have a lot of value at the moment so his price tag will be hefty. Snell was the National League Cy Young Award winner, his 2nd time winning the award, and that is typically worth a lot in free agency.
(Ed: Additionally, as Snell declined a Qualifying Offer, he'd also cost the Braves their 2nd and 5th-highest selections in the 2024 MLB Draft.)
Braves fans have been clamoring for AA to spend more money as he has once again stated how the payroll is increasing. The Braves are looking for another starting pitcher and who would be a better sign than last year's Cy Young winner?
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