Blake Snell To The Mets Why The Answer Needs To Be Yes…

Blake Snell to the Mets? Why the Answer Needs to Be Yes

Blake Snell, the left-handed ace who won the 2018 AL Cy Young with the Tampa Bay Rays, has the potential to be a perfect fit for the New York Mets. With a combination of electric stuff and a proven track record in postseason competition, the Mets would be wise to pursue Snell as they look to bolster their rotation for the future.

First and foremost, Snell’s talent speaks for itself. He has the ability to dominate hitters with his high-velocity fastball and nasty slider, a combination that consistently gets swings and misses. His strikeout ability, often exceeding a strikeout per inning, would immediately boost the Mets’ pitching staff, which, while strong, could use more depth and consistency in the upper echelons of the rotation. Adding Snell would give the Mets a legitimate ace to pair with their already formidable group of pitchers, including two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom and the talented Chris Bassitt.

Snell’s postseason pedigree is another compelling reason why the Mets should target him. While the Mets have had their struggles in the playoffs in recent seasons, Snell has proven to rise to the occasion. His performance in the 2020 postseason with the San Diego Padres—where he posted a 3.24 ERA in 11 innings of work—demonstrated his ability to pitch in high-leverage situations. A rotation built around deGrom, Snell, and Bassitt would give the Mets an enviable trio that could carry them deep into October. In a city like New York, where expectations are high, it’s crucial to have a pitcher who can handle the pressure of big moments. Snell’s previous success in these situations could make a major difference in the Mets’ pursuit of a World Series.

Another reason why the Mets should consider Snell is his age. At 30 years old, Snell is entering his prime years as a pitcher. While he’s had his fair share of injuries throughout his career, including some elbow and shoulder concerns, his recent performance has been strong, showing that he can still be a dominant force. The Mets have an aging rotation, with deGrom already 35 years old, making it essential to bring in younger arms who can contribute for years to come. Snell’s potential to perform at a high level for several more seasons should be viewed as an investment in the Mets’ long-term pitching future.

Additionally, Snell would provide much-needed depth in a rotation that has seen its fair share of injuries over the past few seasons. deGrom’s injury history is well-documented, and adding Snell would give the Mets more flexibility should they encounter any pitching setbacks during the season. A healthy Snell alongside deGrom would provide a one-two punch at the top of the rotation that could rival any in baseball.

Lastly, the Mets’ aggressive approach in recent seasons, particularly under the ownership of Steve Cohen, signals a clear desire to win now. They’ve shown that they’re willing to spend and make moves to improve the team. Adding a pitcher of Snell’s caliber would align with this win-now mentality, offering an immediate upgrade to the pitching staff and increasing their chances of competing for a championship in 2025 and beyond.

In conclusion, Blake Snell would be a perfect fit for the Mets. His talent, postseason experience, and age make him a valuable addition to a team that has championship aspirations. With a rotation anchored by Snell, deGrom, and Bassitt, the Mets would have one of the most formidable pitching staffs in baseball, giving them the best chance to compete for the ultimate prize. The answer to “Should the Mets pursue Blake Snell?” is an unequivocal yes.