Padres rumors: Blake Snell-Giants update, Shōta Imanaga market, Josh Hader

Unless you're a fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, the MLB offseason has been kind of a snooze-fest. The San Diego Padres' NL West rival has grabbed all the headlines this offseason, and may not be done adding to their All-Star-laden roster.

But there's a lot of buzz around a few former Padres' players and a team within San Diego's own division. What's the latest on 2023 Cy Young Award-winner Blake Snell? Will Shōta Imanaga land in the National League West? How much longer will former Padres' closer Josh Hader remain unsigned?

Blake Snell is unlikely to sign with the Giants

Rest easy, Padres fans. It appears as though Blake Snell will not be signing with their NL West rival. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the San Francisco Giants are still open to add a starting pitcher despite having just securing the services of Robbie Ray.

However, don't expect that starter to be Blake Snell unless his price drops dramatically. Snell is coming off a Cy Young-winning season, but at 31 years old, teams appear leery to commit the type of money that the left-hander is seeking this offseason.

Free agent pitcher Shōta Imanaga is nearing a decision

Speaking of the San Francisco Giants, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, they were one of five teams who were in the running to sign Japanese left-hander Shōta Imanaga. The southpaw's posting window is closing soon, so those who are interested are making their final pitches.

However, recent reporting from Heyman suggests that the Padres' rival to the north is now out of the Imanaga sweepstakes. The Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, and Los Angeles Angels are all said to still be in the mix for Imanaga's services. The left-hander logged nearly 150 innings for the Yokohama BayStars in 2023 and posted a 2.66 ERA.

Several teams remain interested in former Padres reliever Josh Hader

Blake Snell is not the only former San Diego Padres pitcher who remains unsigned this offseason. Closer Josh Hader has yet to agree to terms with a new team, though several teams have emerged as potential fits.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post is reporting that while the Texas Rangers and Philadelphia Phillies would appear to be the most logical fits for the reliever, he’s been connected more to the Dodgers.

The San Diego Padres have been more involved in selling rather than buying this offseason, but the Friars' division rivals appear to be full-steam ahead with the offseason beginning to pick up.