The San Francisco Giants have been linked to free-agent starting pitcher Blake Snell several times this winter. With spring training about two weeks away, is the two-time Cy Young Award winner destined to land with them?
An unnamed National League executive thinks it'll happen. They told MLB.com's Mark Feinsand as much on January 27, categorizing Snell landing in San Francisco as a "very obvious fit." Making a move like this would improve the top of the Giants' starting rotation dramatically by pairing the southpaw with Logan Webb.
President of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi has been busy this winter, but things haven't exactly gone how San Francisco was hoping. They participated in the chases for both two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani and starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. Not only did they swing and miss in each instance, but they'll also have to see them on the Los Angeles Dodgers every year for approximately the next decade.
The Giants did supplement their offense by signing Korean outfielder Jung Hoo Lee. They also added to the starting rotation by trading for former Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray. Jordan Hicks is also heading to the Bay on a four-year, $44 million deal and will be transitioning from the bullpen back into the rotation.
As it currently stands, FanGraphs' Roster Resource says the Giants' starting rotation includes Webb, Hicks, Ross Stripling, Kyle Harrison and Keaton Winn (Ray is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery). This group could stand an upgrade, especially since they'll be competing with the Dodgers and the defending National League Champion Arizona Diamondbacks in the NL West. However, Snell's asking price is likely what's holding things up.
USA Today's Bob Nightengale said Snell has received just one official offer this winter. It was a six-year, $150 million proposal from the New York Yankees. The hurler's agent, Scott Boras, countered with nine years and $270 million. There hasn't seemed to be much budging when it comes to what Snell's camp is looking for in his next contract. One would think some sort of flexibility is on the horizon. If it does, more teams could get involved. And depending on how low the asking price drops, the Giants could find themselves jumping back into the proverbial ring.
