Blake Snell Remains Angels’ Best Star Free Agent Fit, Amidst Slow Off-Season Following Ohtani’s Departure

The Los Angeles Angels are in a delicate situation. After the departure of Shohei Ohtani, this is an opportunity for the Halos to show that they can move on. With the team not being in the best shape performance-wise, a big signing would make their ambitions clear. Perhaps that’s why Blake Snell is the Halos’ priority. But what does he add to their squad?

The Cy Young winner won’t be an easy or cheap signing. With a nine-figure contract in sight and immense competition from other big franchises, do the Angels have what it takes to get this deal done? 

Blake Snell continues to remain the Angels’ favorite target

When two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani left the Anaheim Angels, he left two massive holes behind. The Angels are currently focusing on filling the pitching gap first. In 2023, Ohtani had an ERA of 3.14, an absurd number for a two-way player. So when he departed, there were questions about his replacement and it seems the Angels have found the answer in Blake Snell. 

Overall, the Angels’ pitching isn’t necessarily bad, but as The Athletic reported, the ace can take it to the next level.  “The Angels could use a front-line starter. The rotation is not the team’s biggest need. But for a pitching staff that struggled last season, adding an established ace would make their rotation a legitimate strength.” 

With an ERA of 2.25 and WHIP of 1.19, Blake Snell is a perfect person to replace Shotime. Although Snell isn’t exactly a young gun at 31, he can provide at least a few years of good service to the Angels. But this deal extends well beyond the performance standards of the Angels. 

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Signing Snell could reassure fans that the Anaheim Angels are still ambitious. The franchise has long been at odds with its fanbase, mainly due to a decade-long playoff drought. With fans accusing the ownership of not showcasing their intentions through action, major deals like this can help in getting those fans back on their side. But the competition will be tough.

Everybody wants a piece of SnellZilla

The biggest candidate for Blake Snell is the San Francisco Giants. The Bay Bombers have been in the Snell sweepstakes since the very beginning. With the team looking to create a super pair of Logan Webb and Blake Snell, they are still seemingly ahead of the rest in this sweepstakes.

At the same time, one cannot take teams like the Boston Red Sox lightly, who are desperate for a strong addition to their lineup. With the BoSox having been quiet in the offseason, things could change soon with the pitching needs becoming more profound. The journey won’t be easy for the Angels but that’s the road that they have to take.

Read more: Despite Blake Snell Links, Will the Angels Look At More Budget-Friendly Pitcher Options?