Potential landing spots for Blake Snell

Blake Snell was not supposed to be in this position.

He had been considered one of the top players available in free agency. MLB.com ranked Snell as the third-best free agent in the 2023-24 offseason, second among available pitchers. He had a dominant showing in 2023, posting a major league-leading 2.25 ERA and a 1.189 WHiP over his 180 innings, striking out 234 batters with 99 walks. He won his second career Cy Young Award and, at 31 years old, would seemingly be a building block for any interested teams.

Therein lies the problem. While teams have been connected to Snell throughout the offseason, the Yankees are the only team to make an official offer. Bob Nightengale from USA Today previously reported that Snell is seeking more than $200M in his next contract. As Snell has struggled with health and consistency, it is understandable that teams would look askance at that asking price. However, Snell is a potential difference-maker. Some team will take the chance.

Where will Snell sign? Let's take a look at three possibilities.

New York Yankees

The Yankees had seemingly moved on from Snell when they signed Marcus Stroman. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported as such on Feb. 1 as the Yankees were done looking at free-agent starters. Things have changed since then. The Orioles have new ownership and immediately acquired Corbin Burnes. The Yankees need Snell now if they are going to contend in the AL East. Despite those statements otherwise, it makes sense for the Yankees to revisit those talks.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have been trying to move on from the Shohei Ohtani Era. They have remade the bullpen once again, added depth to the roster, and have been working to improve. Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported back in December that the Angels were showing interest in Snell. He would be able to step in as their ace, nominally replacing Ohtani in the rotation. While he would not be enough on his own to make the Angels a contender, he would be a step in that direction. And he would be someone that the team could sell as a sign of hope for the future. 

San Francisco Giants

Slusser also reported that the Giants were considering Snell. Such interest makes sense even with the acquisition of Robbie Ray, as the Dodgers have drastically improved and have expanded the gap in the NL West. However, Ray is not expected back until mid-season at the earliest. Snell would help bridge that gap, providing another top-of-the-rotation caliber arm while Ray could help for the stretch run. He would also give the Giants a co-ace to team up with Logan Webb. Snell may have his own question marks, but signing him to a long-term deal should help the Giants contend for the next few years.