Latest Blake Snell Rumors as Free Agency Sweepstakes Continue

Where will the NL Cy Young winner land?

As we wait for the next big domino to drop this offseason, one of the biggest names left on the open market is San Diego Padres free agent starting pitcher Blake Snell. Snell isn't expected to return to the Friars this winter and is looking for a major contract after a solid season.

He won the National League Cy Young award this past season, posting an ERA of 2.25 over 32 starts. Snell was virtually unhittable throughout the year and has earned a massive payday.

With the Padres out of the running for the left-hander, where will he end up landing? 

According to the latest rumors, Snell could be staying in California but with the San Francisco Giants or Los Angeles Angels. Both teams have been linked heavily with Snell, and they both could use a starter like him in their rotations.

The New York Post's Jon Heyman said that in addition to the Angels and Giants, there were several other teams interested. He listed the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox as potential suitors for Snell. 

Angels:

Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reported a few days ago that the Angels made Snell their 'priority' this winter after losing out on retaining Shohei Ohtani. The Halos need to upgrade the starting rotation, and Snell could give them an ace-level pitcher to headline the staff.

Giants:

The Giants missed out on both Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, so they could pivot over to Snell. He would form a nice duo at the top of the rotation with Logan Webb, and Snell would reunite with former Padres manager Bob Melvin. 

It feels like the Giants may make more sense for Snell than the Angels, but it all depends on his price range. If the Giants want to save face from missing out on other free agents, Snell could be a good option.

With 2024 coming soon, we should know a lot more regarding where Snell will call home for the foreseeable future.