Mystery Team Full of Former Padres Could Emerge in Blake Snell Sweepstakes

Could Snell head to the NL East?

Various media reports have mentioned a plethora of teams associated with the potential signing of marquee free-agent pitcher Blake Snell. 

Last year's National League Cy Young Award winner with the Padres, Snell has a host of options to choose from. Among them reportedly include the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and quite possibly the incumbent San Diego Padres. 

When speaking on MLB Network Radio, former MLB player/current color commentator Kevin Frandsen and journalist Chris Gimenez spoke about Snell's free agent market. The 'mystery team' element is usually present with a big-time free agent who takes their time in picking a club. 

"Who has signed the most Boras clients since 2010? Mike Rizzo."

Blake Snell is still a free agent. @KevinFrandsen and @ChrisGimenez5 wonder if the #Nationals are a potential "mystery team" for the reigning NL Cy Young winner. #Natitude | #HotStove pic.twitter.com/wNr9dNN2cZ

— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) January 13, 2024

In this case, Frandsen and Gimenez think the mystery team in the Snell recruitment could possibly be the Washington Nationals. 

Snell is a client of super agent Scott Boras. Boras is the best at what he does, which is getting as much money for his clients as possible. Some franchises would rather not work with Boras-based clients.

However, Washington seemingly does not care about the hardball negotiations. According to the duo, Washington front office executive Mike Rizzo has signed more Boras clients than any other MLB franchise dating back to 2010. 

PROJECTED NATIONALS PITCHING STAFF

- Josiah Gray

- MacKenzie Gore

- Trevor Williams

- Patrick Corbin

- Jake Irvin

Would Snell be a fit in the nation's capital? Washington is coming off a 71-91 season. Gone are the days of Bryce Harper, Anthony Rendon, Max Scherzer, and Trea Turner. 

As currently constituted, this is a team in a full rebuild. There are some talented parts on this team, and the future generally speaking is a bright one. 

With that said, Snell is 31 years of age, and the timetable relative to the rest of the players not even in their respective primes doesn't exactly match up. With Patrick Corbin's long-term deal not working out to this point, there's probably some trepidation in giving another lefty in his 30s an expensive multi-year deal. 

However, Snell would give the team a true ace. He'd also be a great pitcher for the youngsters to model their games after.

Also, it would be something for a team filled with former Padres from the Juan Soto trade to bring in another one — this one a more proven commodity.