Blake Snell Rumors: Former Padres Ace Looks To Be Inching Closer to Decision

Snell's decision could come very soon.

A lot of talk around the San Diego Padres this offseason has been about what former ace Blake Snell would do in free agency. He isn't expected to return to the Padres and remains unsigned almost midway through March.

Snell has reportedly been looking for a free agent deal above $200 million, but no teams have given in to his asking price yet. With the baseball season starting soon, it seems that Snell and the interested teams are in a blinking contest.

However, one ESPN reporter believes that a decision could be coming soon for the reigning Cy Young Award winner. Buster Olney of ESPN spoke about the latest developments on the Snell front, saying that he believes Snell will ultimately go to the Los Angeles Angels.

“[I’ve] had enough conversation with people in the last 24 hours who know Blake who believe that in the end— depending on where the money falls— the place where he might land [is] with the Angels.”

Per Buster Olney via Willard and Dibs

The Angels have been linked with Snell all offseason, but so far, nothing has materialized. Their owner, Arte Moreno, has historically not been willing to shell out large free-agent deals for pitchers, which could be a factor. 

Snell would give the Angels a true ace to work around, so it could benefit the Anhels to make a move for him. He also is familiar with Southern California after playing with the Padres for the last few seasons.

“Southern California apparently appeals to him. The Angels have been in negotiations with him, and we’ll see where it goes from here. But if I’m sitting here today and had to guess, that’s the team he’s gonna sign with.”

Per Buster Olney via Willard and Dibs

It seems that the free agent sweepstakes for Snell may be coming down to the wire. San Diego fans would love to have him back, but that door has seemingly been slammed shut.