The free agency continues to play out and questions around Blake Snell swirl. Isn’t it alarming that the two-time Cy Young winner is still unsigned despite his coveted position? On one hand, his talent is undeniable. On the other, his asking price and performance inconsistencies are leaving him with fewer suitors than expected. Amid all this, could the Los Angeles Angels, be his last hope for a lucrative deal? 

Well, the Angels are desperate for pitching help and Snell’s market hasn’t lived up to the hype. The reason is believed to be his asking price. Look at this scenario, the young MLB debutant pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto secured a jaw-dropping $325 million deal as an absolute newbie. But Snell, a proven talent, remains unsigned to this day despite proving his pitching prowess. Has he scared away his suitors? 

Blake Snell’s Mega-Deal Hinges on Durability Concerns and LA’s Desperate Need

Looking deeper at the 31-year-old’s free agency, it comes to light that the Los Angeles Angels have emerged as a potential fit. With no other team at the moment close to signing him, isn’t it about time, Snell lands a deal? Well, reports suggest that ‘Snellzilla’ rejected a six-year, $150 million offer from the New York Yankees. What was the rationale behind this refusal? 

Having Scott Boras as an agent, Snell aims for nothing less than a nine-year, $270 million contract. This hefty price tag comes with concerns. In spite of being a dominant force when at his best, Snell’s durability still remains doubtful. It is also becoming unnoticable that he only crossed the 180-inning mark twice, both Cy Young-winning seasons. That draws inevitable comparisons to the Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole who reached that mark seven times in his career.

Though Snell has his limitations, the Angels could be a perfect match. Their rotation desperately seeks an ace and relying primarily on their revamped bullpen for innings would be quite a risky gamble. This is where the Seattle-born’s talent aligns with their needs. But will the Halos meet his asking price?

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Here’s Why the Los Angeles Angels Might Be Snell’s Best Shot

To answer that question, it is important to unwind a bit more. The Angles’ pitching woes are no secret, and they might be open to overpaying for an immediate fix. Moreover, one can’t rule out their big market. This Southern California team has the financial resources to handle a relatively large contract. The only threat here seems to be from the Giants who might come back with competitive offers. 

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Yes, there are risks considering that Snell’s demands and his durability concerns don’t sit well together. Granted that a nine-year deal for a pitcher with a history of injuries is a risky gamble. But only time will tell if the Angels and Snell can bridge the gap between his asking price and their concerns. Could it be that the Angels might be his last chance for a big payday?