Former Cy Young winner makes major free agency decision

Apr 8, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Blake Snell (7) pitches against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

A two-time Cy Young Award winner will once again be on the market this offseason.

Blake Snell has opted out of his contract with the San Francisco Giants and will test free agency, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. This marks the second straight offseason that Snell will be available in free agency.

Blake Snell has opted out of his contract with the Giants and will test free agency for a second straight season.

— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) November 1, 2024

Snell would have been due $30 million had he remained with the Giants, but the left-hander is taking the opportunity to try to land a long-term deal. His efforts on that front did not work out last winter, as he wound up signing a two-year deal with the Giants that included an opt-out after year one.

Snell likely salvaged his chances at a long-term deal with a phenomenal finish to the season. Though he was limited to 20 starts, he posted a 3.12 ERA with 145 strikeouts in 104 innings of work.

Snell will likely be pursuing at least a five-year deal on the open market. There have been rumors that one of his former teams might want to bring him back.