San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell is looking for a new team after opting out of his two-year, $62 million contract to enter free agency.

Snell signed his contract with the Giants in March but the deal included an opt-out clause, and he’s elected to decline the $38.5 million player option for 2025. Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, made a slow start to life in San Francisco after leaving the San Diego Padres but returned to his best after a spell on the injured list.

On July 27 against the Colorado Rockies, Snell struck out a career-high 15 batters over six scoreless innings, marking the most strikeouts in six or fewer innings in MLB history. In his next start against the Cincinnati Reds, Snell pitched a no-hitter in a 3–0 win.

By entering free agency, the 31-year-old instantly becomes one of the top pitchers available and is expected to receive heavy interest in the offseason. In 2023, Snell rejected a qualifying offer from the Padres in order to become a free agent.

Last season he was of interest to the New York Yankees before the trade deadline despite joining the Giants months earlier. Here, Mirror U.S. Sports takes a look at the top free agency contenders for Snell.

New York Yankees

The Yankees were interested in Snell last offseason and it was speculated that they could go back in for him ahead of the trade deadline. The Yankees didn’t pursue a deal on either occasion, but after losing in the World Series, they may revive their interest for a third time.

New York had strong pitchers last season but Snell could be a major addition to help with the rotation, and he’s proven throughout his career that under pressure he can make big plays. Being on a championship team is of importance to Snell, and the Yankees were the second-best team in the country after reaching the World Series.

The fact that the Yankees haven’t triggered a deal despite showing interest may lead to concerns. But after coming so close to a championship there is no better time to strengthen the roster.

San Diego Padres

Snell may have left the Padres as a free agent after rejecting a new offer, but a reunion could benefit both player and team. Snell is already comfortable in San Diego and knows the organization well, meaning he will be aware of their championship goals.

The pitcher grew with the team after being initially traded by the Tampa Bay Rays, who selected him in the first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. A return would hinge on both sides agreeing on a contract, as the team will seek assurances that Snell won’t leave them prematurely again.

Snell left the San Diego Padres as a free agent after the 2023 MLB season.

Snell left the San Diego Padres as a free agent after the 2023 MLB season. ( 

Image:

2023 Getty Images)

New York Mets

Snell could send a major statement to the Yankees and join the New York Mets, who went far in the recent postseason but lost to eventual champions Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. The Mets outperformed the Yankees by forcing a Game 6 against the Dodgers and will have positives to take into next season.

The Mets also have reliable pitchers, but just like the Yankees, they could use extra depth to strengthen the rotation. The Mets have also shown they’re eager to spend big to achieve success, so Snell will likely be considered.

Los Angeles Angels

It may not currently be the most desirable option, but the Los Angeles Angels are desperate to end a postseason drought that dates back to 2014 and Snell could receive a healthy contract offer. The Angels were also linked to Snell in the offseason, and are still searching for a reliable hurler.

The postseason failures, the exit of Shohei Ohtani to the Dodgers, and injuries to Mike Trout have led to increased fan frustration. The organization needs to make moves in the offseason to bolster the roster and also give the supporters hope, and Snell could be pursued.

Snell wouldn’t change their fortunes alone, but should he buy into the project he could become a major part of the team moving forward. It depends on whether Snell wants to aim for championship glory in 2025 or trust a long-term vision.