Agent Scott Boras is recognized for his clever use of puns regarding his clients, and he recently showcased this talent while discussing free-agent pitcher Blake Snell. He stated that 'the Snelling salts have created a lot of whiffs,' referring to the emerging interest in Snell as teams consider their pitching options for the upcoming season.
Blake Snell became available for teams seeking starting pitching after opting out of the final year of his two-season contract with the San Francisco Giants, which he signed last offseason. The fact that Snell is entering free agency under Boras's representation is noteworthy, especially considering that the agent-player duo faced challenges securing a suitable deal until late in the prior offseason ahead of the 2024 campaign. Snell ultimately finalized a contract with the Giants on March 18, despite having captured the National League Cy Young Award in 2023 while playing for the San Diego Padres.
The outlook for Snell's free agency this time appears more favorable. Mark Feinsand from MLB.com highlighted that Snell's impressive performance in the latter half of the 2024 season is expected to enhance his appeal compared to the previous year when his free agency was impacted by compensation. Although Snell had a rocky start with the Giants, registering a 0-3 record and a 9.51 ERA across six appearances, he rebounded magnificently after returning to the rotation on July 9, finishing the season with a 5-0 record and a 1.23 ERA over 14 starts. His highlight moment came when he threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2. Overall, the 31-year-old concluded the season with a 3.12 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and 145 strikeouts in 104 innings. While these statistics improved considerably in the second half, they still fell short of matching his outstanding 2023 Cy Young season where he led the league with a 2.25 ERA and amassed 234 strikeouts across 180 innings. As a two-time Cy Young winner and two-time ERA title holder, Snell remains a prominent figure in this offseason's free agency landscape, positioning himself well to secure a significant contract.
