Beat reporter says there is optimism between SF Giants and 2-time Cy Young winner

The SF Giants made a big splash on Friday night, reportedly signing four-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman to a three-year, $54 million deal. Could they still make a run at Blake Snell? Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that the Giants remain involved in the lefty pitcher and that there has been "some optimism" in recent days.

Beat reporter says there is optimism between SF Giants and 2-time Cy Young winner

The Giants had been connected to Chapman quite a bit before the signing. Nearly every MLB insider speculated that he would eventually land in San Francisco and that has finally come true (pending physical). However, they have been connected to Snell a lot this winter as well.

When an insider such as Bob Nightengale or Jon Heyman report on free agency, they often relay information that is coming from a player's agent. However, Pavlovic has a good pulse on the organization, so he is conveying what he has heard or what he is sensing. His words carry weight.

Of course, Snell is represented by Scott Boras. The Giants have been busy with Boras' clients this winter, adding both Chapman and Jung Hoo Lee. Could they sway the agent to make it three in one offseason?

Over the past week, Chapman and Cody Bellinger have signed substantial contracts with chances to re-enter free agency in a year or two. However, the total value of those deals ended up being much lower than expected. MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Chapman would receive six years and $150 million, but he came in nearly $100 million below that mark.

Could a short-term, high-average annual value contract pave the way for someone like Snell? Perhaps, a similar structure as the Chapman contract, which includes a chance to opt out of the deal after each of the first two seasons. The Giants have done this type of contract with regularity in recent seasons.

If that is a deal that Snell is willing to do, the Giants should be serious suitors for several reasons. The first is that they have bolstered the team's defense with players like Chapman and Lee, so Snell would have support in the field. Plus, they play in the pitcher-friendly confines of Oracle Park. At times, Oracle Park has hindered the team's chances at landing a top position player, but it should favor them in the hunt for pitching.

If Snell wants to re-enter free agency a year or two down the road, the Giants should boast these selling points. Plus, one of Boras' other clients, Carlos Rodón, benefitted nicely from his lone year in San Francisco.

The left-handed hurler earned his second Cy Young award after posting a 2.25 ERA, 3.44 FIP, 1.18 WHIP, 11.7 K/9, and a 2.36 SO/W ratio in 32 outings for the San Diego Padres. The addition of Snell would help bolster the front of the rotation and address pitching depth concerns that have become apparent in recent days. The Giants have been aggressive this winter, but it feels like they still have one more move to make.