Breaking news: The asking price for a key pitcher with a $60MM guarantee over two years was “baulked” by the Houston Astros

Over the weekend, the baseball world was abuzz with news that the Astros were actively pursuing top free agent Blake Snell, the reigning NL Cy Young award winner. However, recent reports from Bob Nightengale of USA Today suggest that Houston might face challenges in securing Snell’s services due to hesitations over the asking price. Nightengale notes that the Astros are cautious about exceeding additional luxury tax thresholds, especially considering Snell’s reported demand of a $60 million guarantee over two years, with an opt-out after the 2024 season, and an average annual value (AAV) around $30 million.

Nightengale indicates that the Giants are currently the frontrunners for Snell, despite their initial reluctance to splurge on major signings. This is partly because the Giants are in need of bolstering their rotation, which lacked depth and stability last season. While they’ve made some notable offseason acquisitions, they haven’t adequately addressed their pitching needs. The potential addition of Snell could significantly enhance their pitching rotation, especially with key pitchers like Robbie Ray, Alex Cobb, and Tristan Beck starting the season on the injured list.

For the Astros, the pursuit of Snell comes with financial concerns, given their already high payroll projection for the upcoming season. General Manager Dana Brown has hinted that they’re not actively seeking additional pitching reinforcements due to these financial constraints, although they acknowledge Snell as a desirable addition.

Despite the financial hurdles, acquiring Snell could be a game-changer for both teams. Snell’s track record suggests he could significantly elevate the Astros’ rotation, especially with several key pitchers dealing with injuries. Similarly, the Giants could greatly benefit from Snell’s presence, potentially solidifying their rotation alongside ace Logan Webb.

While the Giants appear to have more financial flexibility to accommodate Snell’s asking price, it remains to be seen whether they’ll make a move as Snell’s market continues to evolve.