The new season has gotten the Houston Astros off to a dismal 4-10 start. Their problems stem from a bruised rotation that now does not include Lance McCullers Jr., Justin Verlander, Framber Valdez, Jose Urquidy, and Luis Garcia. In terms of unit ERA, the Astros’ patchwork starting five is currently ranked 24th in the majors.
Blake Snell, the winner of the National League Cy Young Award, was reportedly courted by the Astros before agreeing to a $62 million, two-year deal with the San Francisco Giants. Hall of Fame outfielder Reggie Jackson, who is currently a senior consultant for the Astros, provided some explanation on Thursday as to why the Astros were willing to pass on Snell.
“I believe he agreed to a two-year contract worth $62 [million].” Jackson stated as much during an appearance on the podcast “The Show,” which is hosted by Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman of the New York Post. He’s suffered a few injuries. Additionally, I believe there are other motivations. He has an independent option as well. We don’t play that game, either, between the four or five Astros decision-makers.”
Jackson is referring to the group that consists of himself, general manager Dana Brown, former Astros Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell, and owner Jim Crane. Speaking of the game they don’t play and Jackson’s assertion that Snell gets paid too much, Let’s just say that it’s a peculiar and intriguing corporation.
To be fair, Jackson’s assessment of Snell’s fairly complicated contract structure is largely accurate. Before selecting a $30 million player option, Snell will earn $15 million this season. Snell’s 2025 pay will be deferred until 2027 if he exercises his option. According to Cot’s Contracts, Snell will also get a $17 million signing bonus, which will be paid in January 2026.
Is Snell’s contract worth it? We believe that Jackson would have responded “absolutely” if he hadn’t been working in management, mostly because that’s what a team was prepared to pay him. Although Snell’s game has flaws, it’s appropriate to discuss them, as he serves as a model for modern starters in certain ways.
