An MLB source tells KPRC 2 the Houston Astros have been in contact with the representation for 2023 Cy Young winner Blake Snell, confirming a report by The Athletic.
Snell most recently pitched for the San Diego Padres, won his second career Cy Young Award, and now has one in each league after winning the AL Cy Young Award in 2018. The left-handed Snell pitched to a 2.25 ERA in 2023 with 234 strikeouts in 180 innings. Snell has a career 3.20 ERA and has led the league in ERA+ (ERA adjusted for park and league factors) in both of his Cy Young seasons. He’s also led the league in hits allowed per 9 innings in those seasons.
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The Astros pursuit comes after multiple injuries and injury scares have thinned out Houston’s rotation. Justin Verlander will not be ready for Opening Day, while Jose Urquidy left Friday’s start with right elbow pain. J.P. France is on track to be ready for opening day, according to manager Joe Espada, but started spring training behind schedule due to shoulder inflammation. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers, Jr. are expected back sometime around late July.
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That leaves Houston with three fully healthy starters: Framber Valdez, who the team announced will star Opening Day, Cristian Javier and Hunter Brown.
Add in France, and the Astros are still looking for an immediate 5th starter, depending on Urquidy’s health. Right now, Ronel Blanco, who threw 4 scoreless innings Friday in Houston’s spring training game and Brandon Bielak make the most sense. But for a team with World Series aspirations, an upgrade becomes attractive.