He's looking for 2 years $66 at the moment. Why would he accept 3 years at the same price (even if he does opt out)? 2 years for $60 mil maybe gets it done. If he doesn't opt out then the Astros have him for another year (which is a win). Snell would 100% opt out of $20 mil next year leaving the Astros to give up 2 more draft selections in this years draft for a 1 and done.
The reason is that he isn't looking for $66M over 2 years. That's just how he is asking to get a $66M guarantee. He is looking at this as a 1 year deal + insurance. #1) He wants as much money in 2024 as he can get #2) He wants to be able to opt out after 2024 and take a 2nd swing at a 9 figure deal. #3) He wants the biggest overall guarantee he can secure. By giving him opt outs each year, he gets the flexibility of not being locked into a "low dollar" contract but still gets the security in case of injury or under performance. By reducing the salary each season and getting it under $20M AAV, the Astros give themselves as much protection as possible if those things occur. Everybody expects Snell to opt out after this year because he didn't get a Aaron Nola type deal so he will try again next year. The only way he doesn't is if he's hurt or terrible so reducing the sakary in future years is the only way the Astros shoukd take this risk. It's a great compromise.
He ain't signing no 3 year $65, don't care how you put it. Optics is what he and Boras are after as well and they can't afford to look like they fell flat. That's why they want at least 2/$66. And what you are suggesting makes it impossible for him to stay a 2nd year if healthy. We'd give up picks for a 1 and one like I said. The Astros would want to entice him to stay at least a 2nd year.
Sure, but you can't have everything. The greater need is top tier starting pitching given all the injuries and at some point you'll get some of those guys back and they can go to the pen. In a perfect world, you could find a sucker to take Montero so you can ditch a terrible relief pitcher AND save money, but it's rarely a perfect world.
This. And he’s gone after this season anyway. Theres already a few teams that lost their closers already and he’s the one player the Astros could trade that would not only shed salary, but likely generate a decent return of young prospects back. It would HURT though.
I don't want Snell unless we are guaranteed at least 2 years of his service. Not worth the draft picks.
Doesn't matter. he won't be traded. And I'd take Pressly for 2 years in the 8th spot with draft capital over Snell for 1 year only.
Trade possibilities, off the top of my head. There are probably more I have not even considered. Dubon, High value for a versatile bench bat. Replaced by Loperfido. A little less versatile a little better bat. Abreu, No upside 1st baseman with a big bat, Replaced by Singleton, another no upside 1st with a big bat. Singleton, no upside 1st baseman with a big bat. Replaced by Dezenzo youth, athleticism and some upside to look forward to. Meyers, Weak arm in CF negates some of his defensive prowess. Replaced by McCormick and or Loperfido, plus 4th outfielders Leon or Barber. Bregman, Will be lost if we can not work out a relatively friendly extension any way. Replaced by Dezenzo. Bielak, A 5th starter on a lot of teams. Replaced by Blanco or Arrighetti. McCullers, Garcia, and maybe Urquidy, Future value. No replacement required this season.
I would rather try and win another WS than have some nebulous rando draft pick minor leaguers. Maybe that's just me.