Could Blake Snell be the next star to gamble on his own potential with a short, high-reward deal? His insistence on a long-term contract seems to be fading, and with the Houston Astros facing pitching uncertainties, their track record for revitalizing careers, and a history of interest in Snell, a flexible pact mirroring Cody Bellinger’s deal could be the blockbuster surprise that changes everything.

The Astros’ need for a surefire arm, coupled with Snell’s own desire to prove his Cy Young abilities are consistent, could make this a deal of destiny… or desperation. Let’s break down why it might just work:

The Astros’ Pitching Predicament vs. Blake Snell’s Desire for Redemption

“As long as Snell is on the market, we check in to ask what is the latest. Nothing new as of now,” Astros’ GM, Dana Brown, told The Athletic. This persistent interest speaks volumes.

Injuries are plaguing Houston’s rotation. Ace Justin Verlander is sidelined, and Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are recovering, leaving their start to the season in question. A proven arm like Snell would be a game-changer, solidifying the rotation and buying time for the others to heal. Additionally, Snell’s high strikeout potential and Cy Young pedigree would bolster an Astros bullpen that lost depth in the off-season.

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Adding a top-tier starter allows the team to shift other pitchers into relief roles, a domino effect that strengthens the Astros at multiple levels. However, it should be kept in mind that, despite his 2023 Cy Young glory, Blake Snell’s recent career has been inconsistent.

The Athletic details concerns about his stamina and walk rate, making teams hesitant to offer the long-term, high-value contract he desires. A short-term deal with the Astros could be the perfect solution, giving Snell the platform to prove his dominance over multiple seasons without the risk of a long, underperforming contract.

Read More: MLB Free Agency: 4 Top Contenders Left For Star Pitchers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery

Moreover, the team has a reputation for revitalizing star pitchers—just look at Verlander’s success in Houston. Snell could bet on himself, joining a team with a strong track record, and potentially earn that massive long-term deal later down the line—mirroring the strategy adopted by Cody Bellinger with the Chicago Cubs, where a short-term deal with opt-outs incentivizes strong performance and a potentially huge payday later down the road.

The Cody Bellinger Model

While Bellinger’s recent market value dipped significantly due to his previous inconsistencies (remember the 2022 that led to his comeback form?) his deal is structured to protect him. The three-year, $80 million contract with the Cubs includes player opt-outs after the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Each of these seasons carries a $30 million salary, offering strong upfront financial security. Should Bellinger regain his MVP form, he can opt out and re-enter the free-agent market with significantly higher bargaining power.

Blake Snell could benefit from a similar structure. If he’s willing to take a calculated risk, a deal with the Astros could be just as lucrative. A shorter contract—say two years—with significant up-front compensation would protect Snell from being locked into a deal that doesn’t reflect his true value should he find his consistency again. Opt-outs could then allow him to re-enter the market at the peak of his form, potentially commanding the blockbuster contract he truly desires.

Read More: As Cody Bellinger Enjoys His Cubs Return, Is a Long-Term Deal in the Cards?

Of course, this approach hinges on Snell’s belief in himself and the Astros’ conviction in his ability to reach his full potential. Could a Blake Snell-Astros deal be the offseason surprise that shifts the balance of power? With both sides hungry for a win and the Opening Day of March 28 rapidly approaching, this move has the potential to shake things up in a big way.