After a period of anticipation, Blake Snell has officially joined the San Francisco Giants. Snell’s recent achievements include clinching the National League Cy Young Award after an outstanding season, marked by a 2.25 ERA, a 1.189 WHIP, and an impressive 234 strikeouts. Notably, this isn’t Snell’s first Cy Young win; he previously secured the American League Cy Young Award in 2018 while playing for the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite his accolades, the delay in teams signing him prompts the question: why did it take so long for teams to secure the services of a pitcher who has won the Cy Young award twice?

Impact on Giants

Last season, the Giants posted a 79-83 record and are situated in a competitive division. The Los Angeles Dodgers are favored to win, with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the runner-up in the World Series, presenting a formidable challenge. The San Diego Padres also anticipate being in contention, setting the stage for a four-team race. Blake Snell’s decision to join the Giants is particularly advantageous as he will pitch in a ballpark known for favoring pitchers. His addition bolsters an already strong rotation, featuring standout pitcher Logan Webb, establishing an impressive 1A/1B combination at the top of the rotation that opposing hitters will dread facing. In postseason scenarios, the presence of two elite pitchers can be pivotal, especially as rotations shorten, making this acquisition crucial. However, the journey to the playoffs remains the primary hurdle.

During the offseason, the Giants made significant moves by signing third baseman Matt Chapman to a three-year deal and acquiring outfielder Jung Hoo Lee from Korea. These signings, coupled with Snell’s arrival, signify substantial upgrades for the team and elevate expectations for a playoff berth. With the impactful addition of Blake Snell, anticipate the Giants to perform better this season and emerge as contenders in their division.