Padres News: Blake Snell's Free Agent Preference Revealed By ESPN Insider

Will we see Snell land in the American League?

Free agent starting pitcher Blake Snell has been one of the more highly talked about players recently, considering he is still on the open market. No team has engaged him in the manner that he had hoped entering his free agency, so he is waiting for the right time to sign.

However, with the new season starting up in a few weeks, Snell may need to lower his asking price. It's been reported that the reigning Cy Young Award winner has asked for a deal over $200 million, but so far, no teams have come anywhere close to that price.

Interested parties are dwindling by the day, so Snell may need to concede a little. One ESPN Insider is reporting that Snell may have a preference in where he lands.

ESPN's Buster Olney is reporting that Snell has a strong preference to land with the Los Angeles Angels, a team that has been connected with him all offseason.

"I'm hearing that Blake Snell's preference -- strong preference -- is to go to the Angels," Olney said during Thursday's edition of the Baseball Tonight podcast. "There [has] been back-and-forth with that team. That's where I think he's going to land."

Per Buster Olney via MLB.com

Snell landing with the Angels would be great for the Padres, as multiple National League teams have shown interest this winter. San Diego wouldn't have to face him very often, so it would be considered a win.

The Angels could greatly benefit from adding Snell, giving them a star at the top of their rotation. Teams would need to start taking them a little more seriously, so the Angels should heavily consider getting to a price that both sides can agree on.