Padres News: Blake Snell Seems to Want to Return to San Diego in Free Agency
As the MLB season starts to come to a close over the next few weeks, the San Diego Padres are likely to be on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs. It has been a majorly frustrating year for the Friars, and one that they wish they could have to do over.
But starting pitcher Blake Snell has been an incredible bright spot for this team. He has helped keep them afloat during the dark times and is currently the frontrunner for the NL Cy Young Award.
It would be his second Cy Young Award in his career and a culmination of his remarkable season. On the year, Snell holds an ERA of 2.43 and a WHIP of 1.22. He has also struck out 217 batters over 167 innings pitched.
He is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, and while reports have said that the Padres may not re-sign him, Snell wants to stay in San Diego. He was asked after another dominant outing over the rival Los Angeles Dodgers if he thought this could be the last time he faced LA with San Diego, Snell directly answered.
Yeah, I hope not.”
It seems that the Padres may be going in a different direction after a tough season. While they would love to retain Snell going forward, they likely also don’t want to commit the money that it would take for another 30-plus pitcher.
Snell earned a big payday this winter due to his play throughout the season. He spoke about the year in a positive light, even with the issues that the team has seen.
“I’ve loved this season,” Snell said. “It sucks that we’re not where we want to be win-loss-wise. But the one thing that I will say is being here has taught me how to have fun through the good, through the bad, and I think it’s helped me as a player a lot.”
It remains to be seen where Snell will call home next season, but any team would be lucky to have him. The Padres wouldn’t be anywhere near a potential playoff spot without him, and he has easily been their most consistent performer all season long.
