Arte Moreno Holding Angels Back From Signing Blake Snell: Report

Moreno continues to get in his own way.

Reports about the Los Angeles Angels' interest in signing free-agent starting pitcher Blake Snell have been everywhere this offseason. The Halos have been looking at ways to upgrade their pitching staff, with Snell reportedly being their top target.

He is the reigning Cy Young Award winner in the National League, which makes it a bit surprising that he is still unsigned in the middle of March. Snell has been waiting for a contract offer that he deemed worthy of his skill set, and to date, nothing has met his requirements. 

Snell has reportedly been looking for a deal over $200 million but has since been more open to signing a shorter deal with opt-outs. The Angels remain very interested in signing the left-hander but have one big roadblock standing in their way. 

That would be owner Arte Moreno, who seems intent on not seriously going after Snell. According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Moreno has held firm on not signing Snell to this point. 

“Perry Minasian, their GM, has been lobbying Arte Moreno all winter to sign a Blake Snell, to sign a JD Martinez. And Arte Moreno has held fast and said ‘No, we’re not doing that, at least Blake Snell, to this point.'“

Per Ken Rosenthal via Foul Territory

Adding Snell to the Angels rotation would be beneficial in more ways than one. He would give them an ace, something this staff is clearly missing right now.

Snell could also provide some leadership for some of the younger arms in the Halos rotation, helping them develop their skills. The Angels have three lefties in Patrick Sandoval, Tyler Anderson and Reid Detmers.

On the surface, this seems like a no-brainer, but Moreno doesn't appear interested.

If this goes on for too much longer, another team will likely pivot to land Snell. There have already been rumors of the Angels' rival, the Houston Astros, potentially jumping into the sweepstakes, so Moreno better act fast if the Angels are to land the Cy Young winner.