Vincent Frank
The Los Angeles Angels reportedly weren’t willing to meet Shohei Ohtani’s asking price of $700 million over 10 years before he signed with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers during MLB free agency.
It’s no surprise that the Halos didn’t re-sign Ohtani. The two-time American League MVP was always destined to leave. It is, however, a surprise that owner Arte Moreno and Co. didn’t make a stronger effort to retain the game’s best player.
We can also file this new report in the “surprise” category of the MLB offseason. According to Jon Morosi of MLB Network, the Angels have had recent dialogue with reigning National League Cy Young winner Blake Snell.
One question does present itself here. Why would the 31-year-old Snell have interest in joining an Angels team that can’t be considered a legitimate playoff contender? Well, it could be all about the Benjamins.
From an Angels’ perspective, looking into Snell makes a ton of sense. They are not going to be able to replace Ohtani’s production in the lineup. But he isn’t slated to pitch in 2024 after undergoing elbow surgery.
Perhaps, the Angels’ brass simply believes acquiring a top-end starter like Snell could very well help mitigate the loss of Ohtani’s bat.
Related: Los Angeles Angels release statement after losing Shohei Ohtani
Blake Snell as a fit for the Los Angeles Angels
Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval and Griffin Canning are slated to head the Angels’ rotation this coming season. They could really use an ace to head things given Ohtani’s absence from the lineup. Snell has proven to be that throughout his career.
- Blake Snell stats (2023): 14-9 record, 2.25 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 11.7 Ks per nine
With Mike Trout heading things, the Angels’ lineup will not be terrible in 2024. Of course, that’s reliant on him staying healthy. But the likes of Brandon Drury, Zach Neto, Anthony Rendon and Taylor Ward provide nice complements. We can also expect Los Angeles to target a middle-of-the-order bat via either free agency or the trade market.
In no way would signing Snell signal a change of the Angels’ on-field success after missing out on playoff baseball each of the past nine seasons. But it would at least show an attempt to field a competitive team in the post-Ohtani era.
