It was earlier in March that the Houston Astros got unfortunate news regarding ace Justin Verlander. He’ll be opening the regular season on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.
While Verlander should be back soon, this puts the World Series contenders behind the proverbial eight-ball early in the 2024 MLB season.
It’s in this that general manager Dana Brown could very well make the final huge splash of the MLB offseason. According to Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic, Houston is in serious pursuit of reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell. This is not a test.
“The question is whether Astros owner Jim Crane is willing to sign Snell for the $30 million to $32 million annual salary the pitcher is believed to be seeking. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels also have been linked to Snell. But the Yankees must pay a 110 percent luxury tax on every dollar they spend, meaning Snell would cost them almost double his salary. The lack of state income tax in Texas would be another advantage for the Astros.”
Report on the Houston Astros pursuit of Blake Snell
It’s surprising that Snell, 31, continues to find himself on the free agent market with the regular season officially opening next week. With super-agent Scott Boras calling the shots, he’s been unable to land a long-term contract. Now, Snell is seeking a shorter-term deal with a high annual salary.
Related: Houston Astros 2024 MLB preview
Houston Astros as a fit for Blake Snell
As noted above, Verlander is opening the season on the injured list. Astros manager Joe Espada touched on his 41-year-old pitcher earlier in March. He doesn’t seem to be too concerned.
““He’s doing very well, but we’re just running out of days here, and we won’t be able to build him up enough to start the season,” Espada said, via the Associated Press. “It’s just a timing issue. We want to do what’s best for J.V. and our club, and this is what’s best for us right now.”
A top-three of Verlander, Snell and Framber Valdez in the Astros’ rotation would make it one of the best in MLB.
Last season saw Snell pitch to a 14-9 record with a 2.25 ERA and 1.19 WHIP while striking out 234 batters in 180 innings. His league-leading 99 walks is a concern. But we’re talking dominating stuff.
If the Astros were to land Snell, it would follow them signing his former Padres teammate in that of closer Josh Hader earlier in the offseason.