Last winter, the San Francisco Giants made some late-offseason moves by signing third baseman Matt Chapman and starting pitcher Blake Snell to short-term deals. While these signings haven’t translated into much success on the field in 2024, how will they impact the 2025 roster?
Chapman has secured his future in San Francisco by signing a six-year, $151 million extension, avoiding free agency this winter. Meanwhile, Snell, represented by Scott Boras, is expected to opt out of his two-year, $62 million deal and re-enter the free-agent market.
Should the Giants try to re-sign the two-time Cy Young Award winner? According to Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, it’s likely the Giants will “move on” from Snell.
“In 10 starts since regaining full health, he has posted a 1.30 ERA, a 0.75 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in 62.1 innings while holding opponents to a .117 average,” Reuter said. “After last winter’s struggles, he may be eager to accept a solid long-term offer, making it harder for the Giants to retain him.”
**What Could Blake Snell Be Looking for in His Next Contract?**
After winning his second Cy Young Award in 2023, Snell was seeking a major free-agent contract, with Boras reportedly asking for nine years and $270 million. With no offers near that range, Snell signed with San Francisco.
Earlier this year, it looked like Snell might need to opt into his $30 million salary for 2025 after struggling with a 9.51 ERA in his first six starts. However, since his return from injury, he has gone 9-2 with a 1.42 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 63.1 innings, reviving his market value.
If he re-enters free agency, Snell could be eyeing a contract in the $150-200 million range, according to MLB Trade Rumors’ Steve Adams and Anthony Franco.
**Potential Landing Spots if the Giants Don’t Re-Sign Blake Snell**
If Snell opts out, he’ll join a competitive free-agent pool, including Corbin Burnes and Max Fried. If the Giants don’t pursue him, which other teams could be in the mix?
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer ranked Snell’s top landing spots, placing the Giants fifth behind the Padres, Mets, Rangers, and Dodgers. However, one dark horse not mentioned is the Seattle Mariners. Snell, a Seattle native, reportedly has interest in playing there, according to a rival executive who spoke to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
If Snell enters free agency again, it’s likely he’ll aim to secure a deal much sooner than last offseason, when he signed with the Giants on March 18.
