MLB insider shares interesting nugget about SF Giants ace's upcoming free agency

At this point, SF Giants ace Blake Snell will almost certainly opt out of the second year of a two-year, $62 million pact. Is there a chance that he could remain in San Francisco?

MLB insider shares interesting nugget about SF Giants ace's upcoming free agency

Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports that Snell likes San Francisco, but posits that Baltimore could be a landing spot for the veteran hurler as well. Heyman does not elaborate any further on Snell's attachment to the city or organization.

The Giants have had to fight an uphill battle in terms of public opinion in recent years with active players like Rowdy Tellez labeling it a "bad city." However, players with deep connections to the organization like Hunter Pence, Logan Webb, and Austin Slater have been staunch supporters of the organization and its geography.

That fact that Snell likes San Francisco is a mildly encouraging sign. Of course, Heyman is likely hearing this directly from Snell's agent, Scott Boras. Boras will want to create some type of bidding war in free agency and is probably laying the groundwork for that now. At the end of the day, many of Boras' clients chase top dollar.

With that being said, Snell seems like a natural fit to remain in San Francisco both in terms of personality and geography. The lefty pitcher was born in Washington and it was believed that he wanted to remain on the West Coast.

In his first season with the Giants, the two-time Cy Young winner has been solid with a 3.52 ERA, 2.70 FIP, 1.12 WHIP, 12.1 K/9, and a 3.02 SO/W rate in 92 innings. He got off to a slow start due to injury and a delayed start to the season, but he has been much better in the second half. This includes throwing his first no-hitter in a game against the Cincinnati Reds in August.

Snell has benefitted from pitching at Oracle Park as he has posted a 2.85 ERA in 11 starts at home this year. Oracle Park has scared away many hitters in free agency, but it should be seen as an attraction for pitchers. Plus, locking up Matt Chapman to a long-term deal helps move the needle even more in favor of pitchers.

Of course, it takes two to make a deal. While the Giants could be interested in retaining Snell, recent history might suggest otherwise. The front office has watched both Kevin Gausman and Carlos Rodón walk in free agency in recent seasons despite career years with the club.