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Blake Snell Doesn’t Have to Play Major League Baseball in 2020 — and That’s Okay
Like everyone else, the hurler should be able to decide for himself what is best for him and his career
Tampa Bay Rays’ star pitcher Blake Snell recently made headlines by publicly stating he would not play in 2020 for reduced salary because the risks associated with COVID-19 meant it was “just not worth it.” His remarks were widely panned by journalists and fans across the country for him being selfish and another example of greed in sports. However, such criticism is unwarranted, as any such decision he makes is well within his rights.
The 2018 American League Cy Young winner (21–5 with 1.86 ERA) struggled in 2019 due to injuries, posting a 4.29 ERA in 23 starts. Still just 27, big things are expected of him assuming he is healthy. Major League Baseball has bandied about the idea of playing an 82-game schedule if possible. Recently, they waffled on how much players would get paid, given the likelihood that games would be played in empty venues as a safety precaution.
Due $7.6 million in 2020, Snell would receive approximately 25% of that if the 82-game schedule occurs under the current owner proposal. The players had previously agreed to a 50% salary reduction for a shortened season but…
