Astros Rotation in Trouble: Consider Signing Cy Young Winner Blake Snell
Astros starting rotation faces concerns as Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia are set to miss the beginning of the season due to injuries. The team is contemplating signing two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell.
Injuries Plague Astros Starters
The Houston Astros, a team in the MLB’s American League West division, are dealing with significant issues in their starting rotation as they prepare for the upcoming 2024 season. Both Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, who were expected to anchor the rotation, will be sidelined at the start of the season due to injuries. Initially, the team did not plan on making any further acquisitions. However, injuries to Justin Verlander and Jose Urquidy during spring training have forced the Astros to consider pursuing Blake Snell.
Interest in Blake Snell
According to reports from journalists Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, the Houston Astros are seriously considering signing left-handed pitcher Blake Snell, a two-time Cy Young Award winner. Representatives from both the Astros and the San Francisco Giants attended Snell’s simulated game in Seattle on March 16 to evaluate his performance.
Impressive Performance in the Previous Season
Blake Snell appeared in 32 games as a starting pitcher last season, recording 14 wins and 9 losses with an ERA of 2.25 and a WAR of 6. His performance in the latter part of the season was particularly notable, with an ERA of just 1.20 in his last 23 starts. This performance is unmatched since Bob Gibson in 1968, who achieved a lower ERA while starting more games.
Scott Boras Represents Snell
It’s worth noting that Blake Snell is represented by the renowned agent Scott Boras, often referred to as the “vampire” in baseball circles due to his ability to negotiate lucrative contracts for his clients. With the season approaching, Snell is open to signing a high-paying short-term contract. Boras may negotiate a deal that exceeds the typical market value, similar to the 3-year, $105.3 million contract he secured for Carlos Correa with the Minnesota Twins in early 2022.
Astros’ Strategy Moving Forward
As the Astros face challenges in their starting rotation, they are exploring all options to strengthen their pitching staff before the start of the season. Signing Blake Snell could provide a significant boost to their rotation and improve their chances of success in the competitive American League West division.(55BMW)