Cubs’ Potential Acquisition: Blake Snell As of January 4, some notable free agents remain unsigned, and this piece addresses the request of a BCB reader, though the specific inquiry and post details are currently unavailable.
While Blake Snell boasts two Cy Young Awards, one with the Rays in 2018 and another with the Padres in 2023, it’s crucial to examine his performance in the four seasons between these achievements. From 2019 to 2022, Snell recorded a 3.85 ERA and a 1.257 WHIP, resulting in a 104 ERA+ and an average of approximately 1.5 bWAR per season.
In essence, Snell fluctuates between being a top-tier pitcher and slightly above league average. Interestingly, the Cubs already have a comparable player in Jameson Taillon, whose career ERA+ matches Snell’s at 104 over the same four seasons.
MLB Trade Rumors anticipates Snell, ranked fourth among free agents this offseason, to secure a seven-year, $200 million deal with an average annual value (AAV) of about $28.5 million. Given this projection, some might prefer alternatives like Shõto Imanaga or Jordan Montgomery. Notably, Imanaga’s posting window closes on January 11, potentially leading to his signing within the next week.
It’s worth mentioning that several top free agents, including Matt Chapman, Cody Bellinger, J.D. Martinez, Rhys Hoskins, and Sean Manaea, share representation by Scott Boras. The involvement of Boras in negotiations could be contributing to the sluggish pace of free agency this offseason.
Expressing a personal stance, the author is not inclined to support the Cubs signing Snell and encourages readers to share their perspectives. The preference is to see the Cubs pass on Snell, and readers are invited to contribute their suggestions or ideas regarding potential acquisitions.
Leave a Reply