With Super Agent Scott Boras Behind Him, Will Blake Snell Topple Aaron Nola’s $172M Mark?

Great negotiators are a rare breed. In the world of baseball, they come in two forms; first, those who secure excellent deals for their clients, and second, individuals akin to Scott Boras. The “Super Agent” has a league of his own at 71. With a reputation for delivering credibility, trust, and substantial profits, Boras is the go-to agent for players including Juan Soto, Bryce Harper, Aaron Nola, and Gerrit Cole.

One of the top players whom Boras is representing is 31-year-old pitcher Blake Snell. The former San Diego Padres’ pitcher has showcased unprecedented dominance during the 2023 MLB season. Not only did he challenge conventional statistics with an exceptional ERA, but also had leading stats in walks. But now, Snell is a free agent and as the competition gets tougher, Boras has a gigantic task at hand. 

2x Cy Young Winner Blake Snell Awaits a Lucrative Deal with Agent Scott Boras at the Helm

As one of the biggest free agents remaining in the open free agent market, the former Padres ace is looking for a suitable team. The 2018 All-Star hopes to cash in on an incredible 2023 season that culminated with a National League Cy Young award soon. Snell is on his way to secure a substantial contract. Especially with agent Scott Boras handling negotiations following pitcher’s exceptional performance this year.

Snell recorded an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.19, along with an impressive 234 strikeouts over 180 innings. Given his outstanding performance, the San Francisco Giants are currently positioned as the top contenders. Reports per Bob Nightengale of USA Today state that the chase to acquire Snell in the underway offseason is steady. Nightengale mentioned, “The San Francisco Giants seem to be the primary choice for free-agent pitcher Blake Snell, who is awaiting the finalization of Yamamoto’s deal before signing.“

Snell’s market has been surprisingly quiet this offseason, possibly influenced by the widespread pursuit of free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. The approaching deadline for Yamamoto’s contract, as per MLB’s posting agreement with NPB, has put many teams’ next steps on hold. If teams fail to secure Yamamoto, they may quite easily turn to Snell, the reigning Cy Young award winner, known for his exceptional performance last season. Despite the current hush around his market, Snell remains a highly sought-after addition to any team’s rotation. This brings one to think about how Scott Boras might strategize this deal. 

The Product of Wit and Strategy is Super-Agent Scott Boras

Those who know Boras also know that he is the ‘punniest’. An example would be when inquired about the prospect of the Cubs keeping Bellinger. Boras playfully addressed it, saying, “Chicago got the comforts of a full Belli (y).” The product of his wit and strategy always has an outcome that is lucrative not only to his client but also to the team. 

Well, though as per cbssports.com, the front-office sources have expressed “reservations about his command and workload” indicating that his contract value could be 5 years, $135 million; a notch shorter and lighter than expected. However, his agent is not one to cut the teams some slack. He would try his best to make the deal as pragmatic as possible for Snell. Possibly even bringing it close to Aaron Nola’s. 

Phillies Secure Ace Aaron Nola for a Strong Rotation in 2024

In late November, the Philadelphia Phillies revealed the news of signing Nola with a seven-year contract. Although specific terms were not initially disclosed, insiders informed MLB.com that the deal is valued at $172 million. The Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski stated, “At the outset of this offseason, we made signing Aaron our top priority,”

The team went ahead with his signing even though Nola has experienced some up-and-down seasons in terms of his ERA. Given that he has proven his consistency regarding accurate pitches and fulfilling his role in the rotation, several seasoned talent assessors have expressed a preference for him over Snell and other pitchers in free agency.  

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Well, the Phils could really use Nola’s services because they aim at winning the World Series. One way for them to get there is with a strong rotation. With Nola in their lineup, it provides Philadelphia with two top-tier starters in the 2024 rotation; Zack Wheeler leading the way.  That said, let’s draw a parallel between the two players Aaron Nola and Blake Snell.

Here Are the Parallels Between Blake Snell and Aaron Nola

The top two free-agent starters in contention this year would be arguably Blake Snell and Aaron Nola. Both players received and subsequently declined qualifying offers. They entered the market with initial expectations for each to secure multi-year, nine-figure contracts. While Aaron Nola’s projection has taken effect, the latter’s is pending. The decision about Blake Snell is yet to be made and is contingent on how his market unfolds. 

Read More: San Francisco Giants Desperately Pining for High-Profile Signings to Revive Tarnished Reputation

Statistically, both Snell and Nola have exhibited comparable numbers. They both have featured a couple of standout seasons and some less impressive ones. Notably, their injury histories present a contrast. Snell experienced multiple stints on the injured list since his debut, while Nola has encountered relatively minimal time on the sidelines. Though the two are quite similar in terms of caliber, their contract value could go either way. It is, however, worth the wait to see how Scott Boras influences Blake Snell’s deal.