Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery Interest 4 Additional MLB Teams in FA, Boras Says

Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery are the two top pitchers who remain unsigned, and it sounds like interest has increased for both of them recently.

Per ESPN's Jesse Rogers, agent Scott Boras said Monday that four new teams called to inquire about both Snell and Montgomery within the past week.

"There is a pitching panic going on in baseball," Boras said. "We've got so many starting pitchers that are now compromised. Maybe short term. Some long-term. And the calls for elite starters are starting to increase. With many clubs right now, because of the pitching issue, the competitiveness of their seasons is at risk."

Boras was speaking at an introductory news conference for San Francisco Giants third baseman Matt Chapman. The 30-year-old signed a three-year, $54 million contract that includes opt-outs after each of the first two years, similar to the deal fellow Boras client Cody Bellinger signed with the Chicago Cubs.

Both deals were completed after the start of spring training. Boras didn't reveal whether he's looking to land similar contracts for Snell and Montgomery.

On Sunday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that MLB team executives "widely believe" that Snell "will ultimately sign with the Los Angeles Angels or possibly the San Francisco Giants," while Montgomery "will wind up with the Boston Red Sox."

Snell earned the NL Cy Young Award after going 14-9 with a 2.25 ERA and 234 strikeouts last season. He turned down a qualifying offer from the San Diego Padres to test free agency. Montgomery split the 2023 campaign between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, winning a World Series with the latter team.

Both Snell and Montgomery are reliable starters who will be strong additions to any rotation, and they surely hope to find their next landing spots before Opening Day on March 28.