San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell has opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants and has become a free agent. This has been reported by USA Today Baseball Columnist Bob Nightengale. In Snell’s contract, he had the option to opt out of his first season when he signed with the Giants. Snell signed with the Giants on March 19th, 2024, for a two-year$ 62 million contract. It was speculated that Snell would test free agency in September of this season.
Blake Snell officially exercises his opt out and now is a free agent
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) November 1, 2024
Veteran SF Giants Starter Opts For Free Agency
Snell’s Accomplishments
This comes as no surprise as Snell is looking to continue adding to his lengthy accomplishments by signing with a contending team. The Giants finished fourth in the NL West as an ace but failed to make it to the postseason this year. The two-time Cy Young Award, two-time ERA Title, and All-Star left-handed pitcher recorded a 5-3 record, 1.05 WHIP with a 3.12 ERA across 104 innings pitched and 145 strikeouts. Snell’s 2024 season was interrupted by two separate injuries this season: a groin and an abductor injury. The groin injury landed him on the 15-day IL. With a groin injury this season, this is a big move for Snell, as many teams will be looking to snatch him now that he is a free agent. He would be a solid asset for many contending teams in 2025. Let the bidding begin for the veteran 31-year-old starter.
Rumoured Landing Spots for Snell
Speculations from fans have commenced over Twitter where Snell could land in terms of rumors over social media that he could return home to the San Diego Padres. The Padres in 2023 finished third in the NL West, and it’s the same season where Snell earned his Cy Young achievement. Inevitably the LA Dodgers have also come up. Considering they are 2024 World Series Champs they will want class acts on their roster to complement the success they already carry with their pitching. The Dodgers this season were successful in competing in the World Series with many of their starters injured.
Imagine how they could amplify their roster with Blake Snell on it. Snell initially won the AL Cy Young Award in 2018 with the Tampa Bay Rays. He owned a 76-58 record with a 3.19 ERA in nine seasons with the Rays. Snell also has postseason experience. In his career in the postseason, Snell owns a 4-3 record with an ERA of 3.33, 61 strikeouts, and one save in 12 appearances. Ultimately, Snell could land on many other teams, as there are many winning organizations. Whether Snell will remain in either the NL or the AL will be compelling to see this offseason.
Main Photo Credits: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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