Astros’ Blake Snell Interest Grows, Short-Term Deal in Sight Amidst Houston Team’s Injury Crisis

The Houston Astros are not foreign to making a bang this offseason. Following the acquisition of elite closer Josh Hader earlier this year, they have their attention on another top-tier talent. This potential union is an interesting one for more than one reason. But the question here is, will Blake Snell be ready for the Astros?

Well, the 31-year-old is considered the cream of the crop taking into account the remaining free agent aces available. Sources say that he’s looking for a three-year deal with two opt-out clauses. This is similar to other Scott Boras client contracts, those of Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman. It appears that even the Astros are looking at something similar.

Here’s Why Blake Snell Could Be a Perfect Fit in the Houston Astros

This pursuit falls in the lap of the Astros at a crucial juncture. Their ace, Justin Verlander, is sidelined with shoulder inflammation. It turns out that he would not be ready for Opening Day. There have been further complications to top it up – Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are recovering from elbow surgeries and are perhaps out until after the All-Star break. Given this, maybe a Snell-Astros combination will do the job.

Another factor to consider in the Snell-Astros saga is that José Urquidy, another key starter, exited a minor league game with right elbow soreness. Now, while Urquidy’s situation remains ambiguous, there’s still one important brick wall to break – Will the Astros be able to free up funds for a Snell singing amid all the ambiguity?

This might have a positive ending if Astros owner Jim Crane loosens the strings on his purse for Snell’s estimated $30-35 million annual salary. There is no doubt that this is unchartered territory for Crane, who promptly traded top prospects for Verlander the previous season. Additionally, he inked Hader to the biggest free-agent contract of his tenure.

Read More: Astros to Sway Blake Snell With Cody Bellinger-Esque Deal? Unsigned Ace’s Future Uncertain as Opening Day Nears

Will the Astros Free up Space in Their Payroll to Accommodate Snell?

Looking at the optimistic side if one could say that Crane is able to accommodate Snell’s short-term deal for his asking price, there is a threat of soaring luxury tax. The Astros might lose valuable draft picks and their payroll would swell to the highest in franchise history. Are they ready for it?

Well, despite the hefty price tag, Snell would be a perfect fit for the Astros’ missing piece. Not only would he aid in bolstering their ailing rotation in the current scenario, but he could also be a long-term solution with Verlander potentially becoming a free agent in the upcoming season. Looking at this scenario carefully yet optimistically, it becomes evident that with the Texas Rangers emerging as a contender, landing the RHP would be a significant coup for Houston.

Will the Astros finally double down on their aspiration for the championship aspirations sign Snell? Only time will tell. In the meantime, tune into the Essentially Sports FanCast to watch MLB Spring Breakout Live On ES Fancast. Next: Boston Red Sox vs Atlanta Braves – Streaming live, shortly!

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