Blake Snell’s Sweepstakes Evolve, Angels and Giants Emerge as Favorites Amidst Prolonged Free Agency

The more things change the more they stay the same. San Francisco Giants were one of the earliest teams to be linked with Blake Snell during the initial stages of the offseason. Then the barrage of New York Yankees and others seemingly overshadowed their interest. But now that the dust has settled, they’ve once again returned to their position as the favorites. However, there’s a slight difference in their stance this time around.

Things certainly haven’t been easy for the Bay Bombers. They’ve had to wait till March in their pursuit of Snell. Even now, the competition hasn’t completely disappeared – there’s the Los Angeles Angels who are still waiting in the periphery.  However, a top insider has revealed an interesting detail that could put things into perspective regarding the Giants’ interest in Snell.

USAToday’s Bob Nightengale has reported that “MLB team executives widely believe that two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell will ultimately sign with the Los Angeles Angels or possibly the San Francisco Giants.” While this is known news, Nightengale shared an interesting comment for an executive regarding Bob Melvin – the Bay Bombers’ manager.

“One executive said, “If (manager) Bob Melvin really wanted him, don’t you think he’d be there by now? I think it tells you something,” the report said. The point to note here is that Melvin managed Snell for the last two years in the San Diego Padres. Could the skipper not be too keen on bringing in the Cy Young winner? 

Or could it be that the costs are still too high? But then, Scott Boras recently showed his willingness to accept a short-term deal for Snell. If that’s the case here, then there’s another big suitor that could make the splash right now.

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

Blake Snell finds himself flush with suitors

Even though the New York Yankees aren’t quite interested anymore, Snell still has a few teams keeping an eye on him. While the Giants and the Angels are known, the report also added another team to the mix – the Philadelphia Phillies. But the insider noted that the Phillies’ interest was “only on a one-year or short-term contract.” Two of Boras’ clients have signed short-term deals this offseason, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Snell joins that list.

As a result, one cannot completely write off the Phillies from this discussion. The Phils might be one of the few teams that is willing to risk losing a draft pick for a short-term deal – something that Boras might find to his liking. So as it stands, Blake Snell’s market is reportedly coming back to life. However, with Spring Training continuing with full fervor, there needs to be swift action. And that’s something this saga has lacked till now.

Read more: Has Scott Boras Overplayed His Hand? Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery’s Fortunes Uncertain as Long-Term Deals Doubtful