Padres Rumors: Blake Snell Likely to Leave San Diego in Free Agency
Blake Snell has been one of if not the greatest pitchers in the major leagues this season. The National League Cy Young favorite is in the top five of all MLB pitchers with 209 strikeouts and a 2.52 ERA.
Since Aug. 5, Snell has gone 6-1 as a starter, allowing an average of 1.71 runs per start. While the Padres' odds of making the playoffs are virtually zero, the last year of the 30-year-old's contract will end prematurely.
Pundits had predicted that the Padres would be among the best teams in baseball this season. Despite a stagnant start to the season, the Padres refused to trade away Snell or fellow upcoming free agent Josh Hader.
Now, there is an increasingly likely chance that Snell will walk in free agency, as he will command a hefty contract that San Diego might not be willing to sign.
According to USA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Padres are not expected to re-sign Snell, as he will likely command at least $200 million on the open market.
While a $200 million contract would be hard to turn down, Snell has expressed in the past that he would like to re-sign with the Padres in the offseason.
However, it seems that their partnership might end after they complete one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history.
