**Blake Snell Declines Giants’ Contract, Heads to Free Agency**

SAN FRANCISCO -- The rollercoaster season for Blake Snell with the San Francisco Giants has reached a predictable conclusion as the left-handed pitcher opted out of his contract's second year, reentering free agency. Seven months after joining the Giants in hopes of lifting the team into playoff contention, Snell is again on the market and intends to secure a new contract before spring training, avoiding the prolonged holdout that marked last winter.

Last offseason, the Giants capitalized on Snell’s lowered price, inking him to a two-year, $62 million deal in March. The addition of the reigning Cy Young Award winner, alongside Cy Young runner-up Logan Webb, was meant to fortify a formidable rotation. While Snell achieved commendable stats, including a 3.12 ERA and 2.43 FIP, his journey was far from smooth.

The season's early stages were particularly challenging. Snell’s delayed debut on the 11th game of the season coupled with a rough start—marked by a 9.51 ERA over his first six outings—placed the Giants in a tough spot. Despite hopes for a strong showing against divisional rivals like the Los Angeles Dodgers, injuries and a missed spring training contributed to his struggles.

However, a stint on the injured list allowed Snell to regain form through a pseudo-spring training at Triple-A. Upon his return, he exhibited dominant performance, marked by a 1.23 ERA and 1.77 FIP over his final 14 starts, tallying 114 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings. On August 2, Snell pitched a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds, showcasing his capability in critical moments.

Snell’s late-season resurgence included four 100-pitch games in a month, aimed at demonstrating his endurance to potential new teams. As he transitions back to free agency, Snell assures that his next contract will see a more consistent and durable performer. Despite logging more than 130 innings only once since 2018, he vows to bring a workhorse mentality to whoever secures his talents this offseason.