Insider believes Giants ace will opt out, return to free agency

The San Francisco Giants have performed better in the second half of the season than they did in the first half.

At 61-61, San Francisco is just 3 1/2 games behind the Atlanta Braves for the third and final National League Wild Card spot. They have been buoyed by the resurgence of left-hander Blake Snell.

The reigning NL Cy Young winner has a 0.99 ERA in his last seven starts, as well as an opt-out clause in his two-year contract. Jon Heyman made a bold prediction about the star left-hander this coming winter.

"Blake Snell has been incredible over the last seven starts," Heyman said. "I believe that he will opt out and not take that $30 million option for next year."

Snell returning to the free agent market would be huge for baseball. His free agency dragged out into spring training this past offseason before he signed with the Giants.

He would join fellow aces Corbin Burnes and Shane Bieber on the market this coming offseason, and with a strong second half, he could boost his value and possibly receive the long-term deal he seeks.

It is also possible, however, that his early-season struggles hurt his stock and may prevent him from getting what he wants, which could lead to him either signing a short-term deal or possibly even opting into the final year of his deal.

But Heyman seems convinced that left-hander will opt out and return to free agency. He was one of the last pitchers remaining on the market heading into spring training, but he'll certainly be sought after by many teams this winter if he opts out.

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