Blake Snell Destined for Short-Term Deal? Matt Chapman Inks 3-Year Pact Following Cody Bellinger’s Cubs Compromise

Spring Training is looking like a cold winter for Scott Boras. The superagent’s initial projections for his clients’ deals were blown out of the water by the final agreements. Cody Bellinger’s $80 million and now Matt Chapman’s $54 million don’t scream blockbuster in any way. However, with multiple opt-outs, they aren’t bad deals. The entire scenario begs one question – Is Blake Snell the next? 

Snell’s probably in a different boat than the two mentioned Boras’ clients – they were risky. On the other hand, even at his worst Snell remains a sub-4 ERA pitcher. That certainly makes him quite valuable but again, the market is slow. The New York Yankees are reportedly looking out, so where does Snell stand? A surprising development sure has answered that question.

With Scott Boras looking shaky, is that a bad news for Blake Snell?

Boras entered into this offseason with pomp and circumstance. He had perhaps the strongest set of free agents in the market. But then the bigger they are the harder they fall. The slow market hit Boras the hardest and his clients were left scrambling for deals. Until recently, both Belli and Chapman signed surprisingly lower deals with the Chicago Cubs and San Francisco Giants respectively. Chapman is set to receive $54 million for 3 years ($20m, $18m, $16m) with two opt-outs. But the deal sent a strong message.

The short-term deals hinted that Boras may have overplayed his hands and was now making up for it as quickly as possible. That brings us to an eligible pitcher of the free agency market: Blake Snell – can he also be a part of this short-term deal scenario? Chances are – he already might be.

NJ Media’s Bob Klapisch reported that Boras had offered the Yankees a short-term deal for Blake Snell. The amount is unknown but it spanned three years with multiple opt-outs – the same as Bellinger. While the Bronx Bombers outright rejected that offer (they didn’t want a short-term deal with Snell), it showed Boras’ willingness to make Snell part of his recent short-term deal marathon. 

Read more: Blake Snell Considering Padres Reunion? Thinning Market Impacts Lefty Ace’s Sweepstakes Despite Yankees Buzz

A short-term deals means a high AAV, especially as it even “stunned” the Yankees. Luckily for Boras and Snell, there are still a few teams in the market for Snell, however, time seems to be running out rather quickly now. 

West Coast to bring some relief for the Cy Young Winner?

While the East Coast has gone dry, the West Coast still has two suitors for Snell. One of them is the Los Angeles Angels, who are under immense pressure from their players including Mike Trout to make a major signing. The team certainly has money and their payroll is extremely flexible. So if Arte Moreno wants, he could give a massive surprise to baseball fans by signing the 2x Cy Young winner.

Then there’s the San Francisco Giants. As of now, they’re close to becoming favorites for Snell. The potential exit of the Yankees plus the desperation of the Bay Bombers could lead to a wonderful partnership. But will it be a short-term deal? Only time will tell.

Read more: San Francisco Giants Going All Out? $54 Million Deal Proves Playoff Intentions Amidst Blake Snell Interest