Blake Snell was among the more prominent free agents who endured a peculiar offseason that didn’t end until the middle of March when he signed a two-year, $62 million contract.
Not joining a team until well into Spring Training delayed Snell’s start to the 2024 season. He made just three starts before going on the 15-day injured list because of a left adductor strain.
The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner then spent time on the paternity list in May and suffered a strained left groin in early June. Snell missed one month before returning and becoming a trade chip candidate at the deadline.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Los Angeles Dodgers were among the teams that inquired with the Giants on a potential Snell trade, and teams were met with an asking price of taking on his contract while parting with a top-100 prospect:
Teams did have the impression the Giants considered dealing two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, and the Yankees, Dodgers, Padres, Orioles, Cubs and Rangers checked in.
Sources say the Giants wanted a top-100 prospect and for the acquiring team to take responsibility for the contract, which included a $30 million 2025 player option.
Dependent on publication, Dalton Rushing, Josue De Paula and River Ryan qualify as a top-100 Dodgers prospect. Rushing reportedly was coveted by the Chicago White Sox in a Garrett Crochet trade, but the Dodgers were not willing to part with the young catcher or other notable prospects in their farm system.
Further complicating matters for the Dodgers, and presumably other teams, is the likelihood of Snell only being a rental for this season. The left-hander struggled initially but seemingly turned a corner in July. Last Friday, Snell threw the first no-hitter of his career.
Even with the high asking price, that the Dodgers would have some level of interest in a trade for the 31-year-old is not much of a surprise. They reportedly made a late effort to sign Snell before he joined the rival Giants.
Blake Snell’s contract
Snell’s contract with the Giants included a $17 million signing bonus, $15 million salary for this year and an opt-out clause after the 2024 season. However, Snell’s signing bonus is not owed until Jan. 15, 2026.
If Snell exercises his player option to remain with the Giants for 2025 — an unlikely scenario at this time — he’ll earn $30 million next season. But of that amount, $15 million will be deferred and paid July 1, 2027.
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