The Houston Astros Are Eyeing Another Key Signing
The Houston Astros are making waves in the baseball world once again. After making headlines in January for signing the top closer in the free-agent market, Josh Hader, they have now set their sights on left-hander Blake Snell, the best starting pitcher available. According to sources familiar with their discussions, the Astros are engaged in a serious pursuit of Snell.
Snell, who is 31 years old, is rumored to be seeking a contract similar to the deals recently signed by Scott Boras clients Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman. Both players secured three-year contracts with two opt-out clauses. The Astros’ need for another starting pitcher became more pressing when José Urquidy pulled himself out of a minor-league game with a sore right elbow. With ace Justin Verlander also starting the season on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation, the Astros’ rotation could use a boost.
However, the question remains whether Astros owner Jim Crane is willing to meet Snell’s salary demands, which are believed to be in the range of $30 million to $32 million per year. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels have also expressed interest in Snell, but the Yankees would have to pay a 110 percent luxury tax on every dollar spent, making him almost double his salary. Another advantage for the Astros is that Texas has no state income tax.
The Astros’ financial flexibility will be a key factor in determining whether they can sign Snell. The team already has the largest Opening Day payroll in franchise history and is projected to pay the luxury tax. The addition of Hader already cost them two high draft picks and a significant amount in their international signing bonus pool. If they sign Snell, they will have to forfeit even more draft picks, which could hinder their ability to replenish their farm system.
Despite these potential obstacles, Snell would be a valuable addition to the Astros’ pitching staff. With Verlander’s uncertain future and the club’s desire to remain competitive in the long term, Snell’s signing would address both current and future needs. It is worth noting that third baseman Alex Bregman and right fielder Kyle Tucker will become free agents after this season, adding another layer of complexity to the Astros’ financial situation.
Astros owner Jim Crane has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past. Last season, he traded two top prospects for Verlander, and the signing of Hader marked the biggest free-agent deal of his tenure. Signing Snell would be another high-stakes move, demonstrating the Astros’ determination to compete with their biggest rival, the Texas Rangers, who are the defending World Series champions.
The Rangers recently missed out on the opportunity to trade for right-hander Dylan Cease, and their future local television revenues are uncertain. If Snell were to join the Astros, it would add another layer of intrigue to the rivalry between the two teams, as well as to the American League as a whole.
In conclusion, the Houston Astros’ potential signing of Blake Snell would have significant implications for both the team and the league. It would strengthen the Astros’ pitching rotation and enhance their chances of remaining competitive in the long term. However, it comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of financial commitments and the forfeiture of draft picks. The decision rests in the hands of owner Jim Crane, who has a history of making bold moves. Regardless of the outcome, the Astros’ pursuit of Snell adds excitement to the baseball landscape.