The start of the 2024 season didn’t go well for Blake Snell. He faced a patch with a drop in performance in his initial games marked by a high ERA and struggles with control, which raised doubts about his ability to match his previous success levels. His challenges seemed to extend from the 2023 season marred by injuries and erratic play, making analysts wonder if Snell could recover and reclaim his position as a top-tier starting pitcher.

Snell gradually improved as the season went on and made changes to his game plan along the way. By the middle of the season, his commitment eventually led to an achievement on August 2, 2024, when he pitched a no-hitter against the Colorado Rockies. The player finished his first complete season with a strong 3.12 ERA while striking out 145 in 104.0 innings. Following his constant outings for the Giants, the 31-year-old is now using his infamous sell-out clause in his 62 million contract.

Blake Snell is betting on himself

The southpaw pitcher Blake Snell made it official that he is stepping away from his contract with the San Francisco Giants, paving the way for a comeback to the agency following an impressive season performance. “The lefty starter and two-time Cy Young winner is opting out of his contract and entering free agency following a season with the San Francisco Giants,” as per the New York Post.

He agreed to a two-year contract with the Giants after staying on the free-agent market until March 2024 but failed to secure the desired long-term deal following his performance winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2023 with the San Diego Padres. Choosing to opt out of his 62 million contract puts Blake in a position to secure a profitable contract spanning multiple years and likely exceeding a nine-figure value. This move also enables him to ensure long-term stability by risking it all on a one-year chance.

Despite the showcase of instability after opting out of the million-dollar contract, many teams are actively participating in the free agent market, including the Dodgers, Red Sox, and Yankees, who may be interested in taking the power player. His 2024 season definitely makes it easier for the pitcher for a competitive bidding war.

Will trusting Scott Boras be worth it?

Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell faced difficulties in securing deals under the representation of agent Scott Boras; however, their reactions to these challenges differed notably. Montgomery boldly chose to end his association with Boras. Instead, he signed a one-year contract extension with the St. Louis Cardinals. Despite his being called “a horrible decision to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did,” this decision underscores his yearning for stability and a new beginning after experiencing disappointment in the world of agency.

His choice demonstrates a preference for security over the long-term uncertainties linked with Boras’ negotiation tactics. On the other hand, Snell has decided to stick with Boras despite the chance of losing $30 million in guaranteed money in exchange for the possibility of locking in a better long-term agreement. He believes in Boras’ ability to negotiate a bigger long-term contract with some of the bigger agencies in the market.

In the end, both Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell have navigated the difficulties of free agency in distinct ways. While Montgomery has now secured his one-year extension with Diamondbacks, it will be interesting to see what the future holds for Blake. What do you think might happen? Share in the comments below.