Blake Snell Rumors: Could Padres Ace Land With NL East Powerhouse?
The San Diego Padres know better than anyone how special of a pitcher left-hander Blake Snell is. However, with the team focusing on shedding payroll this winter, Snell will not be returning to the team.
He remains a free agent for now while he searches for what he deems a fair contract on the open market. Snell has been looking for a deal of well over $200 million, and he is determined to cash in on his impressive 2023 season.
The veteran is the reigning Cy Young Award winner from last season, posting an ERA of 2.25 over 32 starts. Snell was a major reason why the Padres found themselves alive in the playoff race in the final week of the regular season, and he intends to be paid like the pitcher he is.
The two teams most interested in him this offseason have been the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants. However, MLB analyst Jensen Lewis believes that Snell could find his way to the Philadelphia Phillies after all is said and done.
If the Phillies were to add Snell, their top three in the rotation would almost be unfair. Blake Wheeler and Aaron Nola headline the staff right now, and adding in Snell would be special for Philadelphia.
The Phillies haven't been able to get over the hump the last few seasons, so maybe they feel Snell is the missing piece. He certainly has plenty of postseason experience and could provide them with another reliable arm in the rotation.
The Phillies haven't been shy about spending money over the last few offseasons either, so they could foot the bill required to land Snell.
If Snell were to land with Philadelphia, the Padres would have an even harder time competing in the National League next season. The hope is he goes to an American League team where the Padres wouldn't have to face him too often.
