With Yoshinobu Yamamoto no longer an option, the focus for the San Francisco Giants shifts to two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. The Giants are poised to enter the bidding for Snell, and their potential advantage lies in their market size.
Most of the big-market teams, including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers, were in the running for Yamamoto. However, the Dodgers are not pursuing Snell, leaving an opening for other contenders.
The Mets, Red Sox, and Phillies, who were involved in the Yamamoto discussions, may not be inclined to pursue Snell due to his higher price range. The Mets, in particular, have substantial payroll commitments to starting pitchers and may not be looking for aggressive spending. The Phillies, with existing pitching talent and payroll considerations, might only be interested in a mid-rotation arm.
The Yankees, a threat to sign Snell, could look to add another starter, and a reunion with Snell makes sense on paper, given their history with left-hander Jordan Montgomery.
The remaining contenders are on the West Coast, including the Giants, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners. There is a belief that Snell, with a preference for the West Coast, might prioritize staying in that region. However, Scott Boras, Snell’s agent, may prioritize financial considerations over location.
Snell, who grew up in Washington, has a connection to the state, but the Mariners may not be aggressively pursuing additional salary. This leaves the Giants, Angels, and potentially the Yankees in the mix. However, the Giants may not be as desperate as the first two teams, creating an oddly small market for a pitcher of Snell’s caliber.
The Angels have reportedly made Snell their top priority, but the Giants could present a compelling case. While the Angels struggled despite having two of the best players in baseball in 2023, the Giants are closer to contention, having won 78 games in the previous season. The Giants can leverage their proximity to contention and Snell’s familiarity with the organization, including pitching coach Bryan Price.
Snell’s market situation is likened to the Carlos Correa sweepstakes from the previous offseason, where the Giants won the bidding due to limited involvement from other big-market teams. In a bidding war between the Giants and the Angels, the former may have the edge, considering their recent postseason appearances and a potentially more attractive profile.
Ultimately, it is up to the Giants’ front office and ownership to take risks and step out of their comfort zone if they want to secure Snell. The perceived small market for Snell could work in the Giants’ favor if they are willing to make a compelling offer.
