Blake Snell Exercises Opt-Out, Becomes Free Agent After Season with Giants

Blake Snell, the 31-year-old left-handed pitcher, has officially exercised his opt-out clause from his contract with the San Francisco Giants, making him a free agent for the 2025 MLB season. Snell had signed a two-year, $62 million contract with the Giants, which included the opt-out provision after the first year.

Despite a rough start to the 2024 season, Snell rebounded strongly in the second half, finishing the year with a 5-3 record and a 3.12 ERA. His performance, particularly his strong postseason track record, makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their starting rotations.

One of the teams speculated to be interested in Snell is the Baltimore Orioles. According to predictions by Jim Bowden of The Athletic, the Orioles might sign Snell to a three-year, $105 million deal, especially if they lose Corbin Burnes. The Orioles, who won 91 games and secured the top American League Wild Card spot, are in win-now mode and need a reliable ace for their rotation.

However, Snell’s market value could be affected by his injury history, as he hit the injured list twice during the 2024 season. This might influence the length and terms of any potential contract he receives. Despite this risk, his ability to perform in postseason games makes him a valuable asset for any contending team.