Blake Snell Rumors: Padres' NL West Rival is Leading Candidate To Land Ace This Winter

Where there is smoke, there normally is fire.

One of the biggest free agents left on the open market is starting pitcher Blake Snell. The former Padres ace is looking to cash in on an incredible 2023 season that culminated with a National League Cy Young award.

Snell posted an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.19. The veteran left-hander also struck out 234 batters over 180 innings of work.

While it's unlikely he will return to San Diego, the Padres will miss his services. He is expected to receive a massive payday, particularly with agent Scott Boras negotiating contracts on the heels of Snell's career year

One NL West rival continues to look like the frontrunner to land Snell this offseason. Bob Nightengale of USA Today has reported the San Francisco Giants are the front-runners for Snell at this time.

"The San Francisco Giants appear to be the leading candidate for free-agent starter Blake Snell, who won’t sign until Yamamoto’s deal becomes finalized."

Per Bob Nightengale of USA Today

Snell landing with the Giants would reunite him with former Padres manager Bob Melvin, so the pairing makes sense. It would also give the Giants a strong one-two punch, paring the ace with right-hander Logan Webb.

This is among the least desirable landing spots for Snell from San Diego's perspective. Having to face him multiple times a year for the next few seasons isn't ideal, so the hope is that he will sign somewhere else – preferably in a different league or division.

Snell's market has been oddly quiet this winter. This is likely due to the multi-team pursuit of free agent pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who has a Jan. 4 deadline to sign a contract under the terms of MLB's posting agreement with NPB, the top league in Japan. 

It is possible, if not likely, many of the same teams that are interested in Yamamoto would quickly pivot to Snell if they cannot land their top target.

Snell is hardly a consolation prize. He's the reigning Cy Young award winner, virtually unhittable at times last season, and could help any team's rotation going forward.

It seems all but certain the Padres will not commit the resources needed to re-sign Snell. Beyond that, his future will have clarity soon.