Angels Are 'Best Fit' for Free Agent Blake Snell: Report

The Halos seem ready to make a splash in free agency.

The biggest name linked to the Los Angeles Angels this winter has been reigning National League Cy Young award winner Blake Snell. Snell is looking for a massive payday after an incredible 2023 season, and the Angels have a need in their rotation.

The Halos have been prioritizing starting pitching this offseason, and Snell remains the best arm on the market. He would give them a true ace-level starter at the top of the rotation, and they could benefit from his veteran experience. 

MLB.com's Thomas Harrigan listed the Angels as the best fit for Snell this winter. The two sides have reportedly been talking, but nothing has come to fruition yet.

"Nothing the Angels do this offseason is going to make up for the loss of the incomparable Shohei Ohtani in free agency, but signing the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner would be a big step in the right direction as the franchise looks to turn the page. The Halos certainly need starting pitching — their current rotation of Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson, Chase Silseth and Griffin Canning combined for a 4.53 ERA over 111 starts in 2023. There are other arms left on the market who can help the cause and won’t cost as much as Snell, but this is a team desperately in need of a big splash."

Per Thomas Harrigan of MLB.com

Snell posted an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.19 over 32 starts last season. He was virtually unhittable at times, making him a hot commodity this winter.

The biggest issue with Snell is his age (31) and the cost it will take to land him. He is represented by MLB super-agent Scott Boras, who is known for milking the most out of teams for his clients. 

Landing Snell would signal a massive get for the Angels, but they have been hesitant to shell out large contracts for pitchers in the past. Maybe Snell is the exception, but the team could sure use his services going forward.