Baseball Insider Predicts Snell’s Destination Isn’t Phillies
The free agency drama around Blake Snell briefly ensnared the Philadelphia Phillies last week, in terms of the rumor mill.
Well, Snell remains a free agent and one baseball insider believes he knows where the two-time Cy Young winner will end up.
No, it’s not Philadelphia.
Recently, MLB insider Buster Olney told the Willard and Dibs podcast that he was predicting that the Los Angeles Angels would ultimately sign Snell, who is the top remaining pitcher on the free-agent market in spite of his impressive credentials.
Snell won nearly every first-place vote in Cy Young voting after he went 14-9 with a MLB-best 2.25 ERA last season with San Diego. It’s the second time he’s led the Majors in ERA. He did it in 2018, when he went 21-5 with a 1.89 ERA with the Tampa Bay Rays. He won the AL Cy Young that season.
Snell is one of seven pitchers to win a Cy Young in both leagues and one of 21 pitchers to win at least two Cy Youngs.
A pitcher with his credentials shouldn’t still be on the open market three weeks before Opening Day.
Snell would represent a great topper to the Phillies’ current rotation, which includes Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler, the latter of which just signed a three-year extension that is among the richest in baseball.
But, in part for that reason, it’s unlikely that Snell signs with Philadelphia, as it would have significant luxury tax and draft compensation ramifications, even if the deal is for one year.
Last week one report from USA Today had the Phillies were interested in a short-term deal with Snell.
Later, The Athletic has thrown some cold water on the possibility, saying the Phillies “never seriously discussed” signing Snell at any price.
Unless something changes, Snell appears headed for the west coast.
