San Francisco Giants starting pitcher has chosen to opt out of his contract, making him a free agent, according to a report by USA Today Baseball Columnist Bob Nightengale. His contract, signed on March 19, 2024, for two years at $62 million, included an option to opt out after the first season. There was speculation as early as September that Snell might explore free agency.
Veteran SF Giants Starter Opts For Free Agency
Snell’s Accomplishments
It’s no surprise that Snell is aiming to build on his impressive career by signing with a competitive team. The Giants, who finished fourth in the NL West, missed the postseason despite having a top-tier pitcher.
The left-handed ace, a two-time Cy Young winner, two-time ERA titleholder, and All-Star, posted a 5-3 record with a 1.05 WHIP, a 3.12 ERA, and 145 strikeouts over 104 innings.
Snell’s 2024 season saw two injury setbacks—a groin and an abductor injury—with the groin issue placing him on the 15-day IL. Now a free agent, Snell is sure to attract interest from several contenders, making him a valuable asset for the 2025 season. The bidding for the 31-year-old veteran starter is officially on.
Rumored Landing Spots for Snell
Fans on Twitter are buzzing with speculation about where Blake Snell might land, with some suggesting a potential return to the San Diego Padres. In 2023, the Padres finished third in the NL West, the same season that saw Snell win the Cy Young Award.
Naturally, the LA Dodgers have also entered the conversation. As the reigning 2024 World Series Champions, the Dodgers are likely to seek top talent to bolster their already accomplished pitching staff. Despite dealing with injuries to many of their starters, the Dodgers still secured a World Series title, and adding Snell could only strengthen their roster.
Snell first won the AL Cy Young Award in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he compiled a 76-58 record and a 3.19 ERA over nine seasons.
He also brings valuable postseason experience, with a career 4-3 record, a 3.33 ERA, 61 strikeouts, and one save across 12 playoff appearances. Ultimately, Snell has numerous potential destinations, with many competitive teams in the mix. It will be exciting to see where he ends up and whether he’ll stay in the NL or return to the AL this offseason.
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