Zaidi hints Giants’ Snell could test MLB free agency Originally appeared in NBC Bay Area Sports
Blake Snell Testing the MLB free agent market after the 2024 season has always been an option when he signed a contract. Two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants in mid-March.
That’s the risk teams like the Giants run when they include buyout clauses in their contracts.
Snell’s contract calls for him to earn $30 million in 2025, with $15 million deferred until 2027, if he so chooses.
And while Snell likely won’t make an official decision on opting out of his contract until after the World Series, Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi is already being asked if San Francisco has discussed signing the 2023 National League Cy Young Award winner to an extension.
While answering a question from Tom Tolbert and Adam Copeland on KNBR 680’s “The Executive Show” Thursday night, Zaidi also alluded to his expectations that Snell’s agent, Scott Boras, will make sure his client tests free agency this winter.
“He’s been a good pick for us,” Zaidi told Tolbert and Copeland. “When you’re talking about a starting pitcher, who to me is the best starting pitcher since he came back from the injured list, I think he’s been the best starting pitcher in baseball over that period. If you look at the numbers, it’s an objective case. That’s not even really my opinion.
“I think he’s gotten more and more comfortable here. He’s connected with the fans, connected with the team. So he’s happy. His representation is known for taking things into the offseason. That’s not a comment or a criticism. It’s just the way it is. And I think he recognizes that there’s going to be a healthy market for his services. And we’ve got some young pitchers, we’ve got other guys in the rotation, but they could all use Blake Snell at the top of the rotation.
“I’m sure we’ll have that conversation at some point. I think right now we’re all focused on this push for the playoffs. But it’s good to know that he’s gotten comfortable and seems pretty happy here.”
Snell has been virtually unhittable since returning from the injured list on July 9; he pitched a No-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2, posting a 0.99 ERA while allowing 14 hits and striking out 60 in 45 1/3 innings More than seven starts.
The lefty has lived up to his nickname “Second-Half Snell,” and based on how he’s pitching, it should be a safe bet that he’ll opt out and test the free-agent market this offseason.
Snell didn’t get the long-term contract he was hoping for last offseason, so he could try to land one again this winter.
Zaidi and the Giants are likely hoping to retain Snell beyond this season, but considering how well the left-hander is pitching right now, combined with his agent, San Francisco should expect to face competition to sign the 31-year-old.