MLB Free Agency: Astros Bank on Cody Bellinger Formula for Blake Snell With Short-Term Offer

Moving fast from the air of the spring, Major League Baseball is hurtling towards Opening Day. With teams finalizing rosters, crafting meticulous strategies and one crucial question mark looms. Will the prolonged wait for Blake Snell to find his landing end? Maybe so. 

The NL Cy Young winner, a flame-throwing southpaw with a dominant potential finds himself in a curious situation. Enter the Houston Astros, fresh off a World Series appearance. They plan on entering the 2024 run hungry for a championship ring. 

Pursuit of Blake Snell – The Astros’ Cody Bellinger-Approach

According to baseball insider Jim Bowden, the Astros are taking a unique approach in their chase for Snell. They’re proposing a ‘Bellinger Blueprint’ better explained as a short-term, high Average Annual Value (AAV) contract. Sounds familiar? That’s right, it was the approach the Chicago Cubs took upon signing the 28-year-old Cody Bellinger.

Call it a calculated gamble for the Astros, Snell’s 2023 season was nothing less than remarkable. He was the leader in the National League in strikeouts and ERA, which then established him as an elite arm. But some factors make teams hesitate. At 31 years old, Snell has had trouble establishing himself with a consistent track record of excellence. Before his Cy Young season, he hadn’t posted an ERA below 4.20 since 2018.  Moreover, a history of injuries has posed a big question mark on his durability.

Following the path taken to sign Bellinger allows the Astros to mitigate these risks. First, by not offering a long term deal, they gain access to Snell’s talent. Secondly, the freedom from commitment to a long-term contract might relieve them of too much financial burden. And, if Snell is successfully able to replicate his 2023 campaign, the Astros can secure a dominant arm for their championship aspiration. On the flip side, if he struggles, they’re free to move on from the declining performance of the pitcher.

The Houston Astros overtake the Los Angeles Angels in their chase for Snell

Now, it’s time to highlight the interest the Los Angeles Angles had for the flamethrower, There were reports indicating that it could be the Angels who might ultimately land him. But now, with the Astros’ approach, tables might be turning. The Halos had to turn down the idea of having Snell onboard considering his high asking price. However, the Astros’ inclination to meet Snell’s financial ask with a shorter contract seems to be swaying the tide.

The outcome of an Astros-Snell union could be interesting. Houston that boasts an already potent rotation, featuring Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, would be a superb contender for opposing teams. The possibility of a healthy Snell throwing fastballs past bewildered hitters would work terrifyingly well in the American League, especially those in the West. With that, remember that the clock is ticking down to Opening Day. Will Blake Snell embrace the Astros’ short-term gamble? While you think of the answer to that question do not forget to tune into ES FanCast where you can see real-time Spring Training action, live! 

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