If you ever need a reminder that A.J. Preller treats the pitching market like an all-you-can-eat buffet with no closing time, Dec. 23 delivered a fresh example. The San Diego Padres signed left-hander DJ Snelten to a minor-league deal, per Ari Alexander of WHDH 7News in Boston — and the hook is exactly the kind of hook Preller can’t resist.
Snelten is 33. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2018. And yet, this offseason he reportedly touched triple digits in a throwing session, including 102.7 mph in a bullpen session while consistently sitting around 99. Some could legitimately question if the radar gun accidentally switched to kilometers.