**Why Blake Snell is the New York Mets’ Top Pitching Target in MLB Free Agency, Not Corbin Burnes**
As MLB free agency approaches, the New York Mets are expected to be among the most active teams in the market, especially when it comes to bolstering their pitching staff. After a disappointing 2023 season that saw them fall short of playoff contention, the Mets are looking to reset their pitching rotation with an eye on the future. While many have speculated about the potential acquisition of Milwaukee Brewers ace Corbin Burnes, insiders are increasingly pointing to Blake Snell, the left-handed starter coming off a stellar season with the San Diego Padres, as the Mets’ top target.
In this article, we’ll explore why Snell is seen as the more attractive option compared to Burnes and why he represents a better fit for the Mets’ needs moving forward.
### 1. **Blake Snell’s Recent Dominance and Cy Young Form**
Blake Snell is coming off a remarkable 2023 season in which he posted a 2.25 ERA, 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings, and a 1.05 WHIP. These numbers aren’t just good—they’re elite. Snell, who won the 2018 American League Cy Young Award with the Tampa Bay Rays, re-established himself as one of the best pitchers in the game last year. He’s a pitcher who can dominate games, rack up strikeouts, and shut down opposing lineups with a repertoire that includes a devastating slider and a fastball that can touch the upper 90s.
While Snell’s career has been marked by inconsistencies at times, his 2023 performance suggests he is in the midst of a resurgence, and his peak level of play is as good as anyone in the league. Given the Mets’ need for top-tier talent in their rotation, acquiring a pitcher who can consistently be a Cy Young contender is a significant advantage. The Mets need a true ace, and Snell has shown he can be just that.
### 2. **Snell’s Ability to Handle Big Markets**
New York is a pressure cooker for athletes, and while Burnes is undoubtedly a talented pitcher, Snell has proven that he can handle the media scrutiny and expectations that come with playing in a major market. During his time in Tampa Bay and then with San Diego, Snell had to contend with high-profile playoff games, including the 2020 World Series. The Mets are in a position where they want to contend for a title in 2024, and a player like Snell, who has been in the spotlight, understands the mental and emotional toll of a big-market environment. His confidence and resilience will be critical as he steps into the limelight of Citi Field.
### 3. **Corbin Burnes: The Better Long-Term Investment?**
Corbin Burnes is another high-caliber pitcher who will be on the free-agent market, and he’s certainly a name that comes up frequently in discussions about top pitching targets. A two-time All-Star and 2021 NL Cy Young winner, Burnes has been one of the most effective pitchers in baseball over the last few years, with a career ERA of 3.19 and a strikeout rate of 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings. However, there are a few key factors that could make Snell a more appealing option for the Mets.
One of the primary considerations when comparing Burnes and Snell is age. Snell, 31, is in the midst of his prime, while Burnes, 29, is slightly younger, which could appeal to teams looking for long-term stability. However, the Mets are currently focused on a win-now mentality, and Snell’s experience and ability to dominate at the highest level might give them more confidence that he can immediately step into an ace role. Furthermore, Snell’s ability to maintain his level of performance through various adjustments, including an excellent year after struggling with the Padres in 2022, suggests he can continue to excel in the near future.
### 4. **Snell’s Strikeout Prowess vs. Burnes’ Consistency**
One area where Blake Snell has the edge over Corbin Burnes is his strikeout ability. Snell’s strikeout rate of 14.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023 is extraordinary and outpaces Burnes’ rate of 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings over the past season. While Burnes has been more consistent over his career, Snell’s ability to generate strikeouts at an elite level gives him the potential to dominate games more effectively. Strikeouts are a crucial weapon in the postseason, where contact management becomes even more important. The Mets need a pitcher who can rack up strikeouts and overpower opponents, and Snell’s swing-and-miss stuff gives him the upper hand here.
On the flip side, Burnes’ consistency is his calling card. He rarely has disastrous outings and is more likely to give you six or seven solid innings with minimal damage. While that’s valuable in the regular season, Snell’s volatility can be a weapon, especially in the postseason, where a high ceiling can be more impactful than a high floor.
### 5. **The Mets’ Financial Flexibility and Snell’s Market Value**
While both pitchers are expected to command large contracts, Snell’s market value could be slightly more favorable than Burnes’. Snell’s 2023 resurgence and potential Cy Young candidacy will certainly elevate his price tag, but Burnes is also in line for a significant payday, particularly given the fact that he has been a more consistent performer over a longer period. However, Snell’s inconsistency in years prior to 2023 might make him slightly more affordable, at least in terms of a potential contract negotiation.
The Mets have the financial flexibility to target top-tier talent, and while both pitchers will cost a premium, Snell’s volatility and the fact that he’ll likely receive fewer suitors than Burnes could give the Mets an opportunity to lock him down at a price that makes sense for their budget and immediate needs.
### 6. **Fit with the Mets’ Current Rotation and Needs**
Looking at the Mets’ current pitching staff, there is a clear need for a top-tier left-handed pitcher to complement their right-handed aces like Justin Verlander and Kodai Senga. Snell would immediately slot in as a No. 2 starter behind Senga, with the potential to be the Mets’ ace depending on how he performs. Snell’s high strikeout rate, ability to generate swings and misses, and dominance in high-leverage situations make him a good fit for a Mets team that is looking to rebound quickly and contend for a championship.
The Mets also need a pitcher who can carry them in the postseason, and Snell has proven himself in October. His experience pitching in high-stress environments, particularly during the 2020 World Series with the Rays, would make him an asset in the postseason chase, where the Mets aim to return after missing out in 2023.
### Conclusion: Snell Offers the Mets the Best Chance for Immediate Success
While Corbin Burnes is an outstanding pitcher with an enviable track record of consistency, Blake Snell offers the New York Mets the best chance to secure a top-tier starter who can dominate from day one. With his strikeout ability, postseason experience, and ability to handle high-pressure situations, Snell fits the Mets’ immediate need for an impact pitcher who can help them get back to the playoffs and, ultimately, contend for a championship.
In the coming weeks, as free agency heats up, expect the Mets to pursue Snell aggressively, securing one of the most talented pitchers in the game and reinforcing their rotation for the 2024 season. While Burnes is a valuable asset, it’s Blake Snell who presents the most compelling fit for the Mets’ future.
