San Francisco Giants’ left-handed ace Blake Snell has opted out of his contract and is now a free agent. While this decision isn’t unexpected, it puts pressure on the Giants to develop a backup plan in case he signs with another team.
There’s a possibility that Snell could return to the Giants, as he enjoyed pitching at Oracle Park and showed improvement in the latter half of the 2024 season. However, with numerous teams interested in him, it could be challenging for the Giants to re-sign him.
Should he depart for a different team, here are three top options for the Giants to consider as his replacement.
3 free agents for SF Giants to replace Blake Snell with
1. Corbin Burnes
Corbin Burnes has been one of the top pitchers in MLB over the last five years. While playing for the Milwaukee Brewers and Baltimore Orioles, he has consistently been impressive. Last season with the Orioles, he recorded a 15-9 win-loss record and a 2.92 ERA across 194 and 1/3 innings. He is expected to command a significant contract, projected to be around $30 million annually. As a true ace, he would instantly fill the gap left by Snell’s exit. Additionally, his local connections to the Bay Area could enhance the Giants’ chances of signing him.
2. Max Fried
Left-handed standout Max Fried has been a key player for the Atlanta Braves for several seasons. In 2024, he posted an ERA of 3.25 over 174 and 1/3 innings. While he might be slightly more budget-friendly than Burnes, he will still come at a significant cost. If the Giants miss out on Snell, Fried would be an excellent alternative.
3. Jack Flaherty
Jack Flaherty is definitely the most affordable option among the group and has had a solid career as a pitcher. In 2024, he made a comeback after a challenging 2023 season, posting a 3.17 ERA over 28 starts while playing for the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers. Although he contributed to the Dodgers’ World Series victory and doesn’t quite measure up to pitchers like Burnes or Fried, he would serve as a backup choice for the Giants if they miss out on the other two.
As the Giants navigate free agency, their success will hinge on securing strong starting pitching. If they lose Blake Snell, they will need to actively pursue one of these starters.
Be the first to comment