Did Angels Biggest Competitor for Blake Snell Just Drop Out?

Will the Angels now be able to land Snell?

The Los Angeles Angels' pursuit of free agent starting pitcher Blake Snell this offseason has been well-documented. The front office has spoken to him multiple times, but so far, nothing has come of it.

Los Angeles is one of many teams that has balked at his high asking price, and they are patiently waiting to see if a deal can be worked out on lower terms. Snell reportedly has asked for over $200 million this winter, and he remains unsigned, despite Spring Training games currently taking place. 

The Angels have been seen as one of the better suitors for Snell, along with the San Francisco Giants. However, recent comments from the Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi, may indicate that the Halos' biggest competitor for Snell is dropping out of the race. 

"We have talked all offseason and been very consistent that our plan was to continue to graduate some of our young players. The off-season is really over as far as I'm concerned.''

Farhan Zaidi reiterates the Giants likely will not add another marquee free-agent starter.
"We have talked all offseason and been very consistent that our plan was to continue to graduate some of our young players. The off-season is really over as far as I'm concerned.''

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) March 3, 2024

If the Giants are indeed out on Snell, the Angels will have to be seen as the frontrunners to land the reigning Cy Young Award winner. He would instantly bolster their starting rotation, giving them a true ace to work with.

Owner Arte Moreno has been hesitant to hand out large free-agent deals to pitchers in the past, but Snell may become an exception. If the two sides can agree to a deal that is fair for both sides, Snell will likely join the Halos. 

This could be the move that helps them break their long playoff drought, so it could be worth taking a chance on him. It'll be interesting to see if the two sides can agree on a deal, but with free agency, everything is fluid.