Why Blake Snell is the key to a hyper-successful offseason for the SF Giants without Ohtani or Yamamoto

Why Blake Snell is the key to a hyper-successful offseason for the SF Giants without Ohtani or Yamamoto

2. The Potential Value

Here's another key factor that is flying under the radar amidst all the Yamamoto hype: By comparison, Snell's offseason deal could be a bargain.

Yamamoto has an elite upside. There's a reason why so many teams are backing up the Brinks truck to sign him. And why I've advocated for the Giants to do the same. Yet, we must remember that the international sensation has never actually thrown a pitch in Major League Baseball.

Yamamoto is likely to eclipse the $300 million mark. In fact, the $400 million mark is even seriously being discussed. This would surpass established superstars such as Gerrit Cole and Jacob deGrom. Is this too large a financial commitment for a player who is completely unestablished in MLB?

On the other hand, Snell's next deal is has been projected at the 5-year, $135 million mark at the lowest and at 6-years, $180 million near the highest. Snell is older (currently 31-years-old). And his prime window is smaller. Yet, all things considered, are the Giants better off paying $400 million to a player with Yamamoto's profile, or less than $200 million for a player with Snell's?

Ohtani's and Yamamoto's mega-contracts could very well make Snell's next deal look like a value by comparison.