Starting pitcher Blake Snell hasn't been all that busy since hitting the free-agent market in November, but now that spring training is just weeks away, a surprise landing spot is emerging for the two-time Cy Young Award winner in the latest rumors around the league.
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Snell has received just one official offer from an interested team so far this winter. That squad was the New York Yankees. General manager Brian Cashman sent a six-year, $150 million proposal over to agent Scott Boras, per MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. This offer was quickly rejected, which led the Bombers to pivot and sign Marcus Stroman for two years and $37 million.
The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported on January 24 that the Seattle Mariners are a team to watch in the Snell sweepstakes. He said on X (formerly Twitter) that general manager Jerry Dipoto and Co. are listening to trade inquiries on their young starting pitchers since the return could be quite high. If they're able to create some space, Seattle could then consider signing Snell.
The #Mariners continue to listen to trade proposals for pitchers in their starting rotation since the return in this market would be inflated...then consider signing Blake Snell to upgrade the top of the rotation. #Rangers are still engaged in trying to have a reunion with Jordan…
— Jim Bowden⚾️ (@JimBowdenGM) January 24, 2024
The Mariners have already cleared payroll from their rotation this winter by trading Marco Gonzales and Robbie Ray to the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants, respectively. As it currently stands, FanGraphs' Roster Resource has Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo as their starting five.
It seems backward to trade away young and controllable starting pitchers to then make a high-priced acquisition like signing Snell. However, Seattle may view a one-two punch of Castillo-Snell to be far superior to anything they currently have. It's also worth noting that the southpaw is a Seattle native and has previously expressed a desire to pitch for his hometown Mariners.
So, there are some potential factors in play here and we'll find out soon enough if Seattle is seriously interested in making room for this kind of roster addition.
