This week, a top MLB insider gave a major update on the Los Angeles Angels’ pursuit of Blake Snell and why they could also land another All-Star still shockingly available in free agency.
MLB is just a couple of weeks away from the start of the 2024 season and there are still a few major stars still on the open market. Obviously, the most notable of those is Scott Boras client, and 2023 National League Cy Young, Blake Snell.
For months, several teams have been linked to the star as his likely landing spot for this season, including the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels. Yet, we are midway through March and he is still unsigned. Sooner or later that will end and New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman seems to be confident when that day does come Snell will be wearing an Angels uniform.
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On Monday, Heyman again listed the Angels as the favorite to acquire Snell soon. However, he added another reason why his joining the rotation makes more sense than some other teams linked to the 31-year-old.
“I do believe Snell would relish the idea of the Angels as a West Coaster from Seattle who’s spending his winter (and now spring) in Orange County, working out and coaching a kids team,” Heyman wrote. He also mentioned that a lot of the buzz lately connects the pitcher and team but rumors are they are still far apart on the numbers.
- Blake Snell stats (2023): 14-9 record, 2.25 ERA, 1.189 WHIP, 234 SO, 99 BB
Could the Los Angeles Angels also sign JD Martinez?
While the rumblings around spring training continue to point to the Angels being the top contender for Blake Snell, it seems that might not be the only impact player they could sign before the season begins on March 28. In his report, Heyman also claimed the organization is “actually talking about both Snell and DH J.D. Martinez” as additions to the roster before the season kicks off.
- JD Martinez stats (2023): .271 AVG, .321 OBP, .572 SLG, 33 HR, 103 RBI, 61 R
At the moment, the Los Angeles Angels don’t have a traditional designated hitter and likely will go with either Brandon Drury, Mike Trout, or Anthony Rendon in that position in 2024. However, Martinez has become, arguably, the best DH in the game and has been an All-Star in five of the last six seasons. He has hit 28 or more home runs in four of the last six seasons.
Signing both Snell and Martinez could go a long way in fill the void left by Shohei Ohtani, who took his talents to the Dodgers in free agency.
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