Blake Snell got off to a rough start with the San Francisco Giants but is now pitching more like his old self.
The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner has lowered his ERA on the season to 3.91 and has posted a 2.08 mark with 63 strikeouts in his last eight starts. That span includes his no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds.
Snell has an opt-out clause in his two-year, $62 million contract with San Francisco. He has been expected to exercise that clause, but it became official on Saturday.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Snell will indeed exercise his opt-out and return to free agency.
"Giants ace Blake Snell, after a horrific first half, will exercise his opt-out clause after yielding a 2.08 ERA with 63 strikeouts and a no-hitter in his last eight starts," Nightengale wrote. "One thing is for sure: Snell won't wait until spring training to sign this time around."
This news is of course no surprise. Snell has found his groove again after a rough start and has certainly earned the opportunity to opt out of his contract.
He will likely finally get the deal he was after last offseason. Teams balked at the idea of giving him a long-term deal, so he was forced to settle for a shorter-term contract with the Giants this spring.
But this offseason, teams likely won't hesitate to give him what he wants. The Giants could potentially keep him if they decide they're serious about winning and contending in the near future.
We'll see what kind of deal the veteran left-hander can get.
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