MLB Rumors: Blake Snell Linked to Padres in FA if Giants Star Rejects Contract Option

Blake Snell could return to the San Diego Padres in free agency following the 2024 season.

According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Snell is "almost sure" to decline his $30 million player option with the San Francisco Giants this offseason. He added the Padres "love" the veteran starter and "could play for him this winter."

San Diego was also one of several teams to "inquire" about Snell's availability prior to the July 30 trade deadline, per Heyman. He was a member of the organization from 2021 through 2023 before he joined the Giants as a free agent in March.

Snell signed a two-year contract worth $62 million with San Francisco, although he could choose to decline his player option and search for a long-term deal at the end of the season.

Giants president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi discussed the possibility of Snell leaving in the offseason during a Thursday appearance on KNBR 680's The Executive Show (h/t Ali Thanawalla of NBC Sports Bay Area).

"His representation is known for taking things into the offseason," Zaidi said. "That's not a commentary or critique. It's just the way it is. And I think he recognizes that there's going to be healthy market for his services. And we've got some young pitching, we've got other guys in the rotation, but everybody could use Blake Snell at the top of the rotation."

Snell's 2024 production has dipped slightly after winning the second Cy Young Award of his career in 2023. He owns a 2-3 record in 13 starts, posting a 3.91 ERA to go along with an impressive average of 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings.

He also recorded the first no-hitter of his career during a 3-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 2.

The Padres have thrived since the All-Star break, winning nine of their past 10 games and emerging as a challenger in the NL West. Even if they're unable to secure a division title in 2024, the potential offseason addition of Snell could help them become a consistent postseason contender.