Padres News: Blake Snell Reportedly Wants Over $200 Million This Offseason
The San Diego Padres are looking to reload rather than rebuild as they head into the 2024 season. They traded away Juan Soto to save money and chose not to bring back closer Josh Hader — and the 2023 NL Cy Young winner, Blake Snell, could be next to find a new home.
Both Hader and Snell are coming off phenomenal seasons, but seemed to price themselves out of reunions with San Diego. Hader got the money he desired with the Houston Astros, and Snell will look to do the same in the coming weeks.
Snell is yet to find a new home, but doesn't appear to be lowering his asking price. According to MLB.com insider Mark Feinsand, Snell is seeking a contract worth $200 million.
"Many believe Snell is seeking a deal worth more than $200 million after winning his second Cy Young Award, a figure that hasn’t been out there to this point in the offseason."
Snell is coming off his best season since winning his first Cy Young award in 2018. In 2023, he recorded a 2.25 ERA, a career-high 234 strikeouts, a 1.18 WHIP, and a 3.44 FIP in 180 innings and 32 starts.
While those numbers are incredible, teams are weary about giving money to a player who is 31 and struggled with walks in 2023.
Many have predicted a contract worth roughly $150 million, so that $200 million may scare away certain teams. However, aces don't grow on trees, so there should be a team willing to pay the price to land an ace on their squad.
Snell is unlikely to get that money with the Friars, though, so unless something changes, his time in San Diego could be done.