Report: Astros in serious pursuit of Snell
The Houston Astros could be major benefactors of the slow free-agent starting pitching market.
Houston is "engaged and in a serious pursuit" of left-hander Blake Snell, sources told Ken Rosenthal and Chandler Rome of The Athletic.
The Astros and San Francisco Giants were among the teams that attended a simulated start from Snell on Friday, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Snell is seeking $60 million guaranteed in at least a two-year deal that includes an opt-out after 2024, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The 31-year-old remains unsigned less than two weeks before Opening Day despite coming off his second Cy Young-winning season.
He posted a 2.25 ERA, a 1.19 WHIP, a 182 ERA+, and 234 strikeouts in 180 innings last season. He did, however, also lead the majors with 99 walks.
Snell reportedly received a six-year, $150-million contract offer from the New York Yankees earlier in the winter but declined. The Yankees then pivoted to Marcus Stroman.
The Astros' pitching staff has been dealt numerous injuries already. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are expected to miss at least the first half of this season, while Justin Verlander will begin the campaign on the IL due to shoulder soreness. Houston received more bad news Friday when José Urquidy pulled himself from a start due to elbow soreness.
Houston had a productive offseason, extending Jose Altuve and signing star closer Josh Hader.
The team's luxury-tax payroll sits at $255.7 million, according to FanGraphs, but Verlander, Ryan Pressly, and Alex Bregman could hit free agency this winter.