The Houston Astros are at it again.
In January, they signed Josh Hader, the best closer on the free agent market. Now, they are seriously pursuing left-hander Blake Snell, the best starting pitcher on the market, according to a person briefed on their discussions.
Snell, 31, is believed to be seeking the same type of contract that Scott Boras’ other two clients, Cody Bellinger and Matt Chapman, recently signed. This is a three-year contract with two opt-outs.
Manager Joe Espada said the Astros’ need to add another starting pitcher increased after Jose Urquidy left a minor league game Friday after pitching 43 pitches with right elbow soreness.
Astros ace Justin Verlander will spend the season on injured reserve due to shoulder inflammation, but could return by mid-April. Houston’s other two stars, Lance McCullers Jr. and Luis Garcia, are still recovering from elbow surgery and are expected to wait well after the All-Star break.
The question is whether Astros owner Jim Crane is willing to sign Snell for the $30 million to $32 million annual salary he is believed to be seeking. The New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels have also been linked to Snell. But the Yankees would have to pay a 110 percent luxury tax on every dollar they spend, meaning Snell’s salary would more than double. Another benefit for the Astros is that Texas has no state income tax.
A trade for Archidi, who makes $3.75 million, could create some financial flexibility for the Astros, who have dangled pitchers multiple times over the past few seasons. However, with Urquidy’s health uncertain, it is almost certain that the team will not be able to move him at this time. And the roster doesn’t include obvious salaries that should be moved elsewhere.
Snell would fit a clear need for the Astros, not only now but in the future. Verlander could become a free agent after this season if he doesn’t pitch the 140 innings required to vest his $35 million player option. Urquidy and Framber Valdez remain under the club’s control for two more seasons.
The team’s financial flexibility could increase in the coming years. Third baseman Alex Bregman is scheduled to play in an exhibition game after this season, and right fielder Kyle Tucker is also scheduled to play in an exhibition game after 2025, along with Valdez. But Houston is already expected to pay the largest opening day salary in franchise history. history. The Hader deal marks the second time in Crane’s tenure that the club has surpassed the original luxury tax threshold.
Like Hader, Snell also declined a qualifying offer. With the addition of Hader, the team lost the second pick, 63rd overall, in the 2024 MLB Draft. If Snell were to sign for an average annual value within his desired range, the Astros would be $40 million above the first luxury tax threshold and move back 10 first-round picks in the draft unless the pick falls. It turns out. Top 6 people.
If the Astros were to sign Snell, they would also have to give up their No. 3 and No. 6 picks (No. 102 and No. 193). For a team with one of the worst farm systems in baseball, the team is still reeling from a lack of first- and second-round picks. That will take a toll two seasons after the sign-stealing scandal.
But Crane is the same owner who traded Verlander for two prospects, Drew Gilbert and Ryan Clifford, at last season’s trade deadline. The Hader deal was the largest free agent signing of Crane’s tenure. Acquiring Snell would double the owners’ power and make them more competitive in the race against the Astros’ biggest rival, the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers.
The Rangers tried to trade right-hander Dylan Cease, who was traded to the San Diego Padres from the Chicago White Sox this week, but they struck out. The Texans’ ownership appears to be preventing the front office from re-signing another of Boras’ clients, left-hander Jordan Montgomery, while the team’s future local TV revenue is uncertain.
If Snell goes to the Astros, the intrigue will get even thicker. For Montgomery. For the Rangers. For the entire American League.
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Are the Astros a good fit for Blake Snell?
(Blake Snell top photo: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)