Blake Snell’s market may finally be heating up.
Snell has received one known offer: a six-year, $150 million contract from the Yankees in mid-January. He turned it down, hoping for a longer contract, a better annual pay, or both. Instead, Snell remains a free agent despite the fact that the regular season begins later this month.
Another team might be interested in his services. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Phillies are contemplating Snell, but only on a short-term contract.
While the Phillies had previously been considered as a possible landing point for Snell, that was predicated on whether or not Zack Wheeler’s contract could be extended. Wheeler remains the Phillies’ first objective, but the two may no longer be exclusive.
Snell delivered a strong performance in 2023. Over 180 innings, the defending NL Cy Young winner had a 2.25 ERA and a 1.189 WHIP, striking out 234 batters and walking only 99.
Teams have questioned if they can trust Snell to recreate his success. He owns two Cy Young honours from his eight years in the majors, but those are the only two seasons in which he has tossed more than 130 innings.
At this point, Snell’s best choice could be a one-year contract, similar to Cody Bellinger’s, with annual opt-out clauses.
Snell would be betting on himself, but a second consecutive great performance would position him for the long-term contract he had hoped for.
A transaction like this would also benefit the Philadelphia Phillies. A rotation led by Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Snell would be formidable.
The Phillies are looking for another deep run in the postseason, and acquiring Snell would be a step in that direction.
The question is whether Snell will accept that short-term arrangement, knowing that his desired contract may not be arriving.
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