After missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season, the Chicago Cubs face a pivotal offseason. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer may consider strengthening Chicago’s starting rotation by signing Blake Snell in free agency.
Snell recently completed the first season of a two-year, $62 million contract he signed last March with the San Francisco Giants, which includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to re-enter free agency this winter. The left-hander is expected to take this route after not securing the substantial deal he sought last year. CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson has ranked Snell as the fourth-best upcoming free agent and listed the Cubs as one of three potential teams for the two-time Cy Young winner, along with the Giants and New York Mets. After signing just before the 2024 Opening Day, Snell’s debut with the Giants was delayed until April 8.
He initially struggled, posting a 9.51 ERA across 23.2 innings in his first six starts. However, he rebounded after spending nearly a month on the injured list due to a groin strain, finishing the season with a 1.23 ERA and 114 strikeouts over his final 80.1 innings. Snell won his second Cy Young Award with the San Diego Padres in 2023 and initially sought a contract worth around $270 million, which did not materialize. If he opts to explore free agency again, his asking price is expected to be lower, with Spotrac estimating his market value at five years and $131 million.
