Angels’ Blake Snell Pursuit in Danger, Mariners Eye Hometown Star Amidst Latest Trade

Life just keeps getting tougher for the Los Angeles Angels. The team hasn’t been able to replace Shohei Ohtani, in hitting or pitching. While hitting currently looks like a barren field, there was still some hope in the pitching side. With the Halos going full steam for Blake Snell, things finally seemed to be moving for the Anaheim Angels. But it seems like the universe is still not ready to bless these Angels because another obstacle might just enter their road.

It’s a known fact that Blake Snell loves his hometown Seattle. More importantly, he loves his hometown team, the Mariners. Though till now the Sailors looked out of his sweepstakes, a surprising trade may have just brought them to the forefront of the Snell sweepstakes. Much to the dismay of the present suitors.

The love affair between Blake Snell and the Seattle Mariners 

The Angels’ need for a pitcher is common knowledge. Ever since the exit of Ohtani, their bullpen looks like it’s running on fumes. So Snell looks like an obvious first choice, but there’s a chance that the Angels might not be the first choice of Snell. The Cy Young winner has said quite a few times that he would love to play for the Mariners. Now with the Sailors trading former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray to the San Francisco Giants, they could enter the Snell race.

As Halo Hangout wrote, “Seattle opens future flexibility with this deal to potentially pursue a guy like Snell to join what is already an elite rotation”. With the team trading Robbie Ray, the Sailors have let go of the $73 million remaining in his contract. Add to this the Mariners have traded many of their high earners this year. So their payroll looks more and more suitable for a major addition like Snell.

This could be a disaster for the Angels. Snell remains their biggest hope of getting a pitcher this offseason. Even though the Halos are also in the Shota Imanaga race, Snell is a proven front-line starter that they desperately need. But with the Mariners entering the race, Snell’s attention could shift to Seattle. Especially as the Mariners are in much better on-field shape than the Angels.

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And with the Giants and the New York Yankees already there, the Snell sweepstakes may have started expanding.

The growing suitors for SnellZilla

The New York Yankees, too, remain firmly in the Snell business. They’ve recently entered the race and need a pitcher urgently. With reports of Snell being interested in playing for the pinstripes, things are getting rather interesting here. Moreover, the Giants, too, remain close and can provide him with possibly the best supporting lineup currently.

As a result, the Angels have a lot to worry about. With the competition rising rapidly, they’ll have to find a solution quickly. An increased competition could stop the Angels’ flight before it even begins.

Read more: Two Red Flags Why New York Yankees Remain Skittish on Blake Snell