Blake Snell hits free agency after opting out of Giants deal

Blake Snell’s decision to hit free agency again raises a big question: Will he finally land the deal he’s been aiming for? Last year, Snell signed with the Giants on a short-term contract with an option to opt out, clearly betting on his own ability to have a solid season in 2024 and re-enter free agency in a stronger position. While the season didn’t start smoothly for him due to a delayed spring training and a couple of frustrating injuries, he turned it around in a big way, finishing the season with an impressive 1.23 ERA over his final 14 starts. His strikeout rate soared, too, placing him in the elite echelon of pitchers in the league.

The decision is all about timing and maximizing value. Snell’s current contract had a second year with a hefty $30 million salary, but by opting out, he positions himself to secure a potentially lucrative, multi-year deal likely worth well over nine figures. This would allow him to lock in long-term security rather than taking a one-year gamble. Given his track record - he’s been a dominant force since his 2018 Cy Young-winning season - Snell knows that, as a top free-agent pitcher, he has leverage in a market light on elite starting pitchers.

From 2018 onward, his 3.03 ERA and 32.1% strikeout rate keep him in the top tier of MLB starters. And in the last two seasons, only one other pitcher (Tarik Skubal) has matched his ERA, putting Snell on solid ground to seek a long-term, high-value contract. Teams in need of a proven lefty ace - such as the Cardinals, Dodgers, or Red Sox - may see Snell as a risk worth taking, given his ability to deliver when healthy.

Snell’s career with the Padres and his recent time with the Giants show he’s a rare asset, combining power pitching and a high strikeout rate. His remarkable recovery and late-season strength remind teams he’s worth investing in. As one of the most coveted pitchers in free agency this year, alongside names like Corbin Burnes and Max Fried, he’s likely to have multiple teams vying for his signature, which should lead to a bidding war for his services.

While Snell’s ups and downs might worry some teams, his 2024 turnaround shows he can perform at an elite level even after setbacks. At 31, he’s looking for a more secure, likely multi-year contract that recognizes his skill and his resilience. Some analysts speculate he could command a deal well north of $100 million this time around, with interested teams possibly willing to overlook a few injury concerns for the kind of arm Snell can bring to a rotation. The Giants, for one, have expressed interest in re-signing him, which could mean a competitive bidding war as other teams join the fray for the Cy Young-winning lefty.

Blake Snell is betting on himself once more - and this time, the odds might just be in his favor.