The San Francisco Giants remain alive in the hunt for the third National League Wild Card spot. With just over a month to go in the regular season, San Francisco sits 3 1/2 games back of the final spot.
They've performed better in the second half thanks to left-hander Blake Snell, who has been on a roll lately. However, Snell will likely opt out of his contract this winter.
But that doesn't mean the Giants can't keep him. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com believes San Francisco could still be a fit.
"A member of last year's infamous 'Boras Four,' Snell struggled to find the deal he wanted after winning his second career Cy Young Award," Feinsand wrote. "He ultimately landed with the Giants for two years and $62 million."
With Snell likely opting out, chances are that he will be looking for the long-term deal that he sought last offseason. No team was willing to give him such a contract last winter.
However, he has gone 2-0 with a 1.03 ERA in his last eight starts dating back to July 9, and this includes his no-hitter on August 9 against the Cincinnati Reds.
But by signing Snell in the first place this past winter, San Francisco proved that they have a desire to win after missing the postseason two straight years. They can reaffirm their stance this offseason if they are ultimately willing to give Snell the deal he wants.
It will be Snell's second straight year on the market, and his free agency will certainly be interesting to watch. Chances are he will sign much earlier this coming offseason.
We'll see how his market develops.
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