MLB’s Opening Day is just 10 days out, and Blake Snell is still seeking a new team.
That prospect would have seemed unthinkable when the offseason began, but here we are. There’s been no shortage of rumors about Snell, with the Angels, Astros, Dodgers, Giants, Phillies, Yankees and a couple of “mystery teams” reportedly interested at one point or another.
But the two-time Cy Young Award winner has reportedly lowered his salary and contract demands in recent days and still hasn’t found a taker. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the Astros have balked at a two-year, $66 million contract (with an opt-out after 2024) request by Snell.
A couple of months ago, Snell was reportedly looking for a multi-year deal worth up to $270 million. He reportedly turned down a six-year, $150 million offer from the Yankees. So things have not gone well in negotiations this offseason for Snell, and that has led a number of fans and analysts to point the finger squarely at super agent Scott Boras, who represents the veteran pitcher.
Former MLB star Gary Sheffield, who is now a sports agent, recapped Snell’s fate this offseason.
“Blake Snell went from wanting $200M+ to asking for a 2-year deal at $66M with an opt out after 2024?” Sheffield said. “So essentially he went from a 7-8 year ask down to a 1-year “I’ll opt out if I pitch well” contract? Nice work, Mr. Boras. A true masterclass.”
The parody account FAX Sports: MLB also called out Boras with a tweet joking that Snell would sit out the 2024 season to “chill out and get the numbers right.”
Complicating matters for Boras is the fact that another high-profile client of his, Jordan Montgomery, is still in search of a new home, despite a strong postseason showing for the World Series champion Texas Rangers last year.
Two other Boras clients, Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, also remained unsigned until earlier this month, when Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs and Chapman joined the San Francisco Giants.
Boras is one of the most revered — and feared — agents in the business, who routinely lands his players salaries that reset the market cap. He knows what he’s doing, and players love him for that. But this hasn’t been his best offseason, and fans were busy on X/Twitter Sunday seeming to relish his struggles.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.