Home

MLB

MLB Free Agency: Secret Sauce That Landed Matt Chapman Now Giving SF Giants Edge in Blake Snell Pursuit

Published 03/18/2024, 2:15 PM EDT

Follow Us

The Blake Snell free-agency saga continues, and the San Francisco Giants seem poised to make a splash. With their recent acquisition of Matt Chapman, a familiar face from Oakland, the Giants might have an advantage thanks to their new manager, former San Diego Padres’ skipper Bob Melvin. How?

MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman highlights the Melvin connection to the pitcher. His suggestions clearly indicate that it could be the ‘secret sauce’ that gives San Francisco an edge in the Snell sweepstakes.

In a tweet he shared today, Heyman stated that Melvin wants “Blake to go somewhere he’s happy. He’s a terrific kid and a good pitcher.” The contending teams might find themselves in a bit of a pickle with that statement of his, considering Melvin himself knows Blake Snell well, having managed him in San Diego from 2022 to 2023. And the Giants, seeking rotation stability, might just be thrilled at the odd chances.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

After a disappointing 2023 campaign, the Giants are eager to bolster their starting rotation. Beyond Logan Webb, their rotation depth has been plagued with injuries.

Adding Snell, as MLB.com suggests, would be a huge boost as they desperately look to regain their competitive edge and make a return to postseason glory. However, they aren’t the only team in hot pursuit. 

The Competition for Blake Snell: Astros and Angels in the Mix

The Houston Astros, reeling from injuries within their rotation, are “in serious pursuit” for the ace, according to The Athletic. Snell’s presence would add significant depth as they prepare to defend their World Series title. And then there’s the allure of staying close to home.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

ESPN’s Buster Olney reports that Snell has a “strong preference” to play for the Los Angeles Angels. A move to Anaheim would keep him on the West Coast, close to his roots, and potentially offer a chance to re-establish himself as a dominant force in a division he knows well. Right now, Blake Snell’s decision is poised to significantly impact the 2024 MLB landscape.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest MLB stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Joining the Giants offers a chance for a fresh start alongside former teammates under a familiar manager. The Astros offer a chance to compete for a championship immediately. And the Angels? A return to his home state in a pitcher-friendly ballpark.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Read More: Blake Snell and Gerrit Cole Hit by Cy Young Curse? 2023 Winners Set to End 18-Year Streak

Where Blake Snell ultimately lands will be a compelling storyline to follow as Opening Day approaches. Until then, speculation will continue, and the MLB world will wait with bated breath to see where this star pitcher takes his talents next.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Shrabana Sengupta

658Articles

One take at a time

Shrabana Sengupta is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Shrabana shot to fame when she covered two prime MLB events: the 2023 World Series and the Free Agency that followed. During the 2023 World Series, Shrabana wrote her unfeigned perspectives on the Texas Rangers’ Corey Seager and his wife, the 27x World Series Champions’ heartbreaking season, and later covered Shohei Ohtani’s highly anticipated record-breaking contract in 2023-24.
Show More>