Surprise Bidder May Throw Hat in Ring for Ace Blake Snell

After an engaging battle for the championship, the long-awaited off-season is here and in the run. Given it is an opportunity to strengthen their squad, MLB teams with a poor campaign are utilizing it best. Visibly so, multiple teams have already filled voids by signing ace players testing their free agency. However, a few are still to find a noteworthy signing this off-season, including Shohei Ohtani‘s old team. But that may change with the availability of ace pitcher Blake Snell.

Notably, irrespective of the poor season of the San Diego Padres, Snell performed exceptionally well. It helped him win another Cy Young Award and made him an option for teams looking to add strength on the mound. However, Snell is yet to find complete acceptance in the market with the raised value of his free agency. Surprisingly, the Angels look to change it with their bid for the 31-year-old. But given their performances in the past few seasons, will they be able to notch an agreement with the ace pitcher?

Los Angeles Angels Enters Free Agency Waters With an Interest in Ace Blake Snell

The 2023 season has been a forgetful for the Los Angeles Angels. The AL West team again failed to qualify for the playoffs, ending their season in a fourth position in the division after a great start. Not only this, they have also lost their star player, Shohei Ohtani, to the city rivals Los Angeles Dodgers. This has further deteriorated the situation for the Angels, as they look desperate to overcome the loss.

According to an X post, the Angels have found Blake Snell as an Ohtani’s pitching alternative. In the same line, they have held talks with the free agent. Given that Snell claimed 234 strikeouts at an ERA of 2.34 in 34 games, he looks a perfect fit. Plus, with age on his side, it gives another reason for the Halos to sign him. However, will they be able to sign him?

Countering the popular perception, Will the Angels pull Snell to Los Angeles?

The last few seasons have not gone right for the Angels. They have yet to make it to the postseason since 2014. Given that, it has happened, even after having the best players in Mike Trout and Ohtani, a perception has built that they are not made for the playoffs.

As winning the World Series is a dream of every player, playing in a team that won’t make it to the playoffs is not an option. The same goes for Blake Snell, who had a poor memory from the 2020 World Series. Notably, he was pulled out by the Tampa Bay Rays and ‘was lost’ with this decision that cost them the championship.

Read More:- Blake Snell Nears Baseball Greatness: One Day Away From Joining Legends Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez in Elite Company

Years later, that dream is still alive, and the two-time Cy Young Award winner would want to change that. In that case, he might not see the Angels as his next team. However, the latter can try to change that decision by showing positive changes in the squad. Will that be enough? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Watch this story: From Black Betsy to Wonder Boy- Baseball’s most iconic bats