Two-Time Cy Young Winner Snell Signs With San Francisco For Two Years, $62 Million

Reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell has signed a 2-year, $62 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. 

Snell earned 2023 NL Cy Young honors with the San Diego Padres, a key NL West divisional rival after posting a 14-9 with a league leading 2.25 ERA. The 31-year-old southpaw previously earned the AL Cy Young Award while a member of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018 when he led the Junior Circuit in wins with 21 and a 1.89 ERA. 

The question is which Blake Snell will the Giants get. Between his two Cy Young campaigns, Snell went a combined 25-26 with a 3.86 ERA from 2019 through 2022 with two seasons apiece with the Rays and Padres. 

Let's keep in mind that Opening Day is in 10 days from now and Snell is probably behind in his preparation which could loom large. It is worth noting that Snell has an opt-out provision at the end of the 2024 season and can re-enter the free agent market. So perhaps this will mitigate the risk the Giants have taken.

The Giants are taking a win now approach. In addition to signing Snell, San Francisco has added 2021 World Series MVP Jorge Soler, four-time Gold Glove third baseman Matt Chapman as well as 2021 AL Cy Young Award winner Robbie Ray and Jordan Hicks, who is going to be converted into a starter. 

Snell's decision to sign with San Franciso reunites him with Bob Melvin who had managed the Padres for the past two seasons before making his way up to Northern California. Though the two have had their disagreements in the past, Melvin wished Snell all the happiness in the world amid rumors he might sign with the still hated Houston Astros.

Perhaps all's Snell that ends well.