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The top free-agent pitcher still available and one of the best in the game has finally signed. Blake Snell agreed to a contract with the San Francisco Giants Monday night. It comes late in spring training after Snell saw his market fall short of what was expected, ultimately signing for two years worth $62 million with an opt-out clause.
Snell is coming off a Cy Young season in San Diego, the second of his career. He spent three years in San Diego and will move to San Francisco, possibly for two years.
What is the initial fantasy impact of the signing? Let's quickly dive into the fallout of Snell signing with the Giants.
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What to Expect From Blake Snell
Snell is coming off one of his best seasons since his debut in 2016. He hoped to parlay that into a long-term contract but ultimately settled for two years at $31 million a year. In 2023, Snell finished with a 2.25 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and 234 strikeouts over 180 innings pitched.
He won 14 games, the most since his 2018 Cy Young Award-winning season when he had 21. His 180 innings pitched also came in as the second most of his career, again trailing that 2018 season. The strikeouts were the most of his career, along with his 99 walks and 32 games started.
The 31-year-old was roughed up in April to the tune of a 5.48 ERA over five starts. Things changed for the better over the next few months as he gave up a combined five runs over 63 innings pitched in June and July.
Mike Krukow is all in on the Giants signing Blake Snell 😤 pic.twitter.com/KP8nOXOVCV
— KNBR (@KNBR) March 19, 2024
It hasn't been all roses for Snell in his career and 2023 was no exception. He's made 30-plus starts in two seasons. Those two seasons are the only two where he pitched more than 130 innings. Snell also had a 3.44 FIP and .239 BABIP last season, indicating he was lucky.
ATC isn't too keen on Snell's 2024 prospects. Projections include 149 innings pitched, a 3.50 ERA, and 1.27 WHIP with a 10-8 record over 12 quality starts. The projected 188 strikeouts highlight his biggest asset. On average, the big lefty has pitched 124 1/3 innings with 153 strikeouts per season.
Snell has an ADP of 67 with a RotoBaller ranking of 69 for roto leagues. Moving to San Francisco from San Diego doesn't come off as a big deal when looking at park factors. His new digs at Oracle Park suppressed homers at the same rate as Petco Park last season.
How Will the Blake Snell Signing Affect the Giants?
San Francisco has one of the best pitchers in baseball in Logan Webb. They will now combine that with Snell to make a formidable one-two punch. Signing Snell also buys some time for Alex Cobb and Robbie Ray to work their way back from injuries.
Kyle Harrison, one of the top pitching prospects in the game, will likely slide in behind Webb and Snell. Cobb could return in May, but Ray will likely be out until after the All-Star break. Until then, the Giants will rely on young and unproven players such as Jordan Hicks, Keaton Winn, and Mason Black, among others.
The Giants 2024 projected starting rotation with the addition of Blake Snell 👀 pic.twitter.com/XgtvTywkit
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 19, 2024
Thanks to the Snell signing, Mason Black or Keaton Winn will be pushed out of the rotation. Webb, Snell, Harrison, and Hicks seem to have their spots secured. The first three should be rostered in most leagues while Hicks is someone to take a flier on in deeper leagues and keep an eye on early in the season.
